Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs

A healthy gut flora (or, in technical terms: a balanced gut microbiome) is so important in dogs because it makes a crucial contribution to supporting the entire organism. Specifically, a balanced bacterial colonization in the intestine ensures that:

• Nutrient absorption can take place optimally.
  The intestinal bacteria help break down and utilize food components so that the dog can absorb important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients well.
• Pollutants and pathogens are kept in check.
  An intact intestinal flora acts like a protective shield: “Good” bacteria prevent potentially disease-causing germs from multiplying uncontrollably and thus strengthen the immune system.
• The immune system is strengthened in the long term.
  A large part of the immune cells is located in the intestine. A balanced microbiota promotes the maturation of these immune cells and ensures a stable balance between defense and tolerance.
• Digestive complaints such as diarrhea or constipation are avoided or alleviated.
  With a stable intestinal environment, the stool consistency is usually good, and digestion runs smoothly.
• Stress and general well-being can be positively influenced.
  A healthy microbiome has also been shown to help reduce the release of stress hormones. This helps the dog to remain calmer in stressful situations.

In summary, a balanced gut flora is a basic prerequisite for the physical and mental well-being of the dog. Therefore, pay attention to a high-quality diet, regular check-ups (e.g., deworming and veterinary check-ups), and possible support of the gut microbiome (e.g., through probiotics) so that your dog remains healthy and happy all around.

A disturbed gut flora often manifests itself through various digestive and general complaints. Typical signs of this can be:

• Diarrhea or mushy stool
  If digestive problems occur more frequently and repeatedly, this may be an indication of an imbalance in the intestine.
• Flatulence and abdominal noises
  Frequent flatulence or clearly audible bowel sounds often indicate that putrefaction processes or malfermentations are taking place in the intestine.
• Changes in appetite and weight loss
  With a disturbed gut flora, nutrients are absorbed less efficiently, so the dog may lose weight despite sufficient food or generally appear “out of sorts”.
• Lethargy or reduced performance
  A persistent imbalance in the intestine can affect general well-being: The dog appears listless and has less energy.
• Frequent infections and weakening immune system
  Since a large part of the immune system is located in the intestine, dogs with dysbiosis (unhealthy microbiome) are sometimes more susceptible to infections or other diseases.
• Skin and coat problems
  Poor gut health manifests itself in some dogs through skin rashes, itching, or dull fur.

If several of these symptoms occur more frequently or over a longer period of time, it is worth seeking veterinary advice. After an examination (e.g., stool and blood tests), it can often be determined whether a disturbed gut flora is the cause and how it can be brought back into balance.

Feeding probiotics can be useful in various situations to support or restore the balance of your dog’s gut flora:

• After antibiotic treatments
  Antibiotics not only work against unwanted bacteria but also against many beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help to rebuild the gut flora more quickly.
• For recurrent diarrhea or sensitive digestion
  Dogs with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts or frequent digestive problems can benefit from probiotics by building a more stable and resistant microbiota.
• After severe diarrheal diseases
  If a dog has suffered from acute diarrhea or gastroenteritis, probiotics often accelerate regeneration and improve stool consistency.
• Supportive in stressful situations
  In phases that put a lot of strain on the dog (e.g., moving, longer trips, competitions), the microbiome can suffer. Probiotics can help maintain balance in the gut during such stressful phases.
• For food changes
  If you change the dog food (e.g., variety, brand, or dosage form), an additional dose of probiotics can make adaptation in the gut easier and prevent digestive problems.
• Long-term immune support
  In some cases, a course or permanent administration of probiotics is recommended – especially for chronically sensitive animals – to stabilize gut health and strengthen the immune system.

Whether probiotic feeding makes sense and which preparation is best always depends on the individual health condition of the dog. Veterinarians or specialized nutrition consultants for dogs can advise you on this and make appropriate recommendations.

There are a number of different probiotics on the market that have been specifically developed for dogs. They often contain bacterial strains such as Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium species, or Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast). Here is a brief overview of some common variants:

• Products with Enterococcus faecium (e.g. SF68)

• • FortiFlora (Purina): Contains the strain Enterococcus faecium SF68, is available as a powder and is often used for Diarrhea or after antibiotic administration.
  • Entero*-supplementary products from various manufacturers: Often similar bacterial strains, sometimes combined with vitamins and electrolytes. They have proven effective in puppy Diarrhea or as an accompaniment to antibiotic administration.
• Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium preparations

• • Pro-Kolin varieties (Protexin): Contain various strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, as well as kaolin pectin to firm up the stool.
  • Special capsules or powders with multiple bacterial cultures: They often combine several Lactobacillus and Bifido strains to cover a broad spectrum.
• Yeast-based probiotics

• • Saccharomyces boulardii: Is used in particular when antibiotics or other agents are intended to displace undesirable bacteria, as yeasts, unlike bacteria, are not killed by antibiotics.
  • Some combination preparations contain both yeasts and bacterial cultures to counteract acute Diarrhea phases.
• Combined preparations with prebiotics

• • Some probiotics are additionally enriched with prebiotics (e.g. fructooligosaccharides/inulin). These indigestible fibers serve as “food” for the beneficial bacteria and support their colonization in the intestine.
• Therapeutic diets with probiotics
  
  • Some pet food manufacturers (e.g. Royal Canin, Hill’s, Purina) offer special food for sensitive dogs that already contains probiotic strains or prebiotic fibers.

When buying or using probiotics, you should always pay attention to the quality and type of bacterial strains, as well as to an adequate dosage (colony-forming units, CFU). Not every product is equally suitable for every dog. In the EU, only a few probiotic bacterial strains are approved for dogs. These have been proven to have a positive effect on the dog’s microbiome and are harmless to health.

The administration of probiotics in dogs depends on the respective health condition, the type of probiotic and the recommendations of the veterinarian. In general, the following points have proven successful:

Duration of use

• Acute complaints: For short-term digestive problems (e.g. Diarrhea, after antibiotic administration or change of feed), probiotics are usually administered for 2-4 weeks to restore the intestinal flora to balance.
• Chronic complaints: For longer-term or recurring digestive disorders, food intolerances or allergies, a longer or even permanent administration may be useful. Here, it is recommended to discuss the course of treatment with the veterinarian at regular intervals and adjust it if necessary.

Frequency of administration

Usually, a probiotic is administered once daily together with the food. Sometimes two doses per day can also be useful. The exact dose and frequency depend on the concentration of the bacterial cultures contained and on the recommendation of the manufacturer. Consultation with the veterinarian provides certainty and helps to determine the correct amount.

Dosage and product selection

• Pay attention to high-quality probiotics developed specifically for dogs. Products for humans may contain other bacterial strains in concentrations that are not optimal for the dog.
• Incorrect dosages may lead to undesirable effects such as Flatulence or Diarrhea; therefore, it is important to observe the instructions for use.

Effect and control

• Changes in stool consistency, appetite or general condition can be indications of effectiveness or tolerability. If symptoms persist or worsen (e.g. frequent Diarrhea, Vomiting), a renewed visit to the veterinarian is advisable.
• A stool examination can also help to assess the success of probiotic administration by checking the microbiological balance in the intestine.

Special situations

• Antibiotic treatment: A simultaneous administration of probiotics may be advisable to reduce the death of healthy intestinal bacteria; it is sometimes recommended to administer probiotics during and two to four weeks after the end of antibiotic treatment.
• Operations or stressful situations: In case of increased stress, after operations or vaccinations, a supportive probiotic administration can help to strengthen the immune system and reduce digestive problems.

Conclusion:

• How long? In most cases at least 2-4 weeks, if necessary also longer or permanently.
• How often? Usually once per day according to the manufacturer’s instructions or veterinary recommendation.

Giving probiotics “just like that” without a specific reason is basically possible and not harmful for most dogs. However, there are some points to consider:

• Support of the intestinal flora

• • Probiotics can supply the intestine with beneficial bacterial strains and thus contribute to the stabilization of the intestinal flora. A healthy intestine is important for good digestion and a strong immune system.
  • However, dogs that do not have digestive problems and are generally healthy do not always noticeably benefit from a routine probiotic administration.
• Prevention in case of stress or change

• • Slight stress situations (e.g. relocation, travel, feed change) or minor everyday stresses can justify a short-term administration of probiotics to support the digestive system.
  • In these cases, preventive intake can be useful so that the intestine remains stable in an unusual situation.
• Long-term use

• • Anyone who wants to give their dog probiotics permanently should always weigh the cost-benefit ratio.
  • A healthy intestinal flora needs regular “care”, but is usually also sufficiently supported by a high-quality, balanced diet and a low-stress everyday life.
• Individual tolerability

• • In general, high-quality probiotics are well tolerated. Nevertheless, Flatulence or Diarrhea can rarely occur if the product is not optimally adapted to the dog or the dosage is chosen too high.
• Veterinary advice
  
  • In healthy dogs without complaints, a regular administration of probiotics is often not mandatory.
  • However, anyone who wants to use probiotics preventively or is unsure whether a certain combination of pro- and prebiotics is suitable should seek veterinary advice and discuss the individual situation of the dog.

Conclusion:

• It is generally possible to give healthy dogs probiotics without a specific reason, for example, for prevention in stressful situations.
• A permanent routine application is usually not necessary for dogs without symptoms, but it can be useful in consultation with the veterinarian, for example, if you want to provide preventive support for special burdens.
• Always pay attention to high-quality preparations and observe whether your dog tolerates them well.