Dog Gut Health: Keeping Gut Bacteria in Balance

Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, are key building blocks for your pet's overall gut health. It is so because the gut is the largest part of the immune system and a L O T of these good bacteria are found in the gut, too.

While many dogs start off their lives with a healthy mix of gut bacteria, this can eventually change with aging and after exposure to certain medications, particularly antibiotics, as stated by experts at Animal Biome.

An abundance of good bacteria in the your furbaby's gut helps fight off the bad bacteria and other foreign bodies, toxins and viruses that get into your dog's body system. But sometimes, keeping the bad and the good balanced out can be hard work. That's why we have come up three simple things you can do in keeping your pet's gut bacteria in balance.

Discover Specific Gut Imbalances Early

Not only do adult and senior dogs experience gut bacteria imbalances, but pups, too! Even pups can also have gut bacteria imbalances. Puppies are able to receive one of their first gut microbes through momma dog’s milk which contains colostrum, a highly concentrated form of breast milk that contains immune-boosting properties that are essential for newborns. However, their gut microbiome changes as they begin to grow, develop, lick or chew on things, and consume different types of food.

Also, some pups are weaned too early, not giving them enough time to fully acquire all great benefits they can get from direct contact with momma dog. If you have a young pup, it is your responsibility to help strengthen their gut health as early as possible. It’s also recommended you take them to the vet as soon as possible for an overall health checkup to determine any imbalances that can potentially harm their quality of life.

By doing this, you and your vet will be able to determine what is missing and needed in your dog's gut bacteria, or if they have too much of the bad ones. Early diagnosis of any possible gut bacteria imbalances in your dog will help you give them the right diet and lifestyle changes that will protect your dog from any health issues in different stages of their lives.

Provide a Nutritious and Biologically Appropriate Diet

Biologically, dogs are carnivorous animals. But as they were domesticated, meat protein wasn't able to provide them enough nutrients anymore. That's why as a pet parent, you should be able to provide a diet with dog friendly meat, protein, organic fruits, vegetables, etc. for a nutrient-rich meal time. Enzymes found in these food items build the perfect environment for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

With endless options of what to give your dog, you should make sure that what you give your dog is able to meet all their nutritional needs. And because food goes straight directly to your dog's gut, food is key to better their gut health.

As Primal Pet Foods suggests, you should be able to provide a nutrient-rich diet for your dog as these contain live enzymes that create an appropriate environment for complete digestibility and absorption of nutrients.

Incorporate Probiotics Into Your Dog's Diet

Introducing probiotics into your dog's meals will help build good bacteria in the gut. Sure, there are different forms of probiotics for dogs in the market, like yogurt, kefir, and probiotic-mixed dog foods. But the best way you can provide the exact beneficial amount is through probiotic supplements.

Expose Your Dog to The World

Most pet parents are very protective and careful with their furbabies that they’s want as little outdoor time as possible. To them, outdoor time is equals to illnesses and diseases. While this may be true, outdoor time for your pet also has great benefits.

Getting fresh air and being out in nature come with numerous health benefits, too. This includes some lesser-known positive impacts on pet health. As a matter of fact, bacteria that have the capacity to do good for your dog are found everywhere in nature: in the dirt, on plants, on the ground, and even in the air. Take your dog for a walk and make sure they get to inhale fresh air. You can do this as simple as opening the windows of your house to let in some fresh air.

Your dog gets good bacteria elsewhere, too. Studies show that pet parents and furbabies also share skin bacteria. Your dog’s other pet playmates probably share their microbes as well. Your dog may even be eating their own poop. According to Animal Biome, sll of this exposure to an array of different kinds of bacteria microflora accumulate to strong intestinal health and immune health.

Keeping your pet's gut bacteria in balance can be challenging but there is no hard of a challenge if it means being able to keep your furbaby happier and healthier. The healthier you can keep his gut, the healthier you can keep his entire body.