vet-n-pet DIRECT

For years there has been lots of talk about the importance of gut health in humans; but did you know that good gut health is also very important for a strong immune system and the overall health of our canine friends too? When a dog is feeling good on the inside, with a healthy gut, it will be reflected on the outside with a healthy coat, skin, gums, in their behaviour and energy levels. Dogs, like all animals, have living microorganisms (like bacteria, fungi and viruses) inhabiting their gastrointestinal tract. These microbes are essential for the digestion and metabolism of food for energy to fuel the body for life. The bacteria in the gut is made up of both good and bad bacteria which need to remain in the correct balance/ratios for optimum health. When the good and bad bacteria are out of balance a number of digestive issues may occur but it can also have an impact on many other aspects of your dog's overall health. If your dog is suffering from poor gut health or an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria you could notice one or a number of these signs: u Gas and/or bloating u Diarrhoea u Abdominal pain u Weight loss or gain u Gum disease u Immune system orders u Inflammation u Allergies; including skin and respiratory reactions u Joint pain The balance of good and bad bacteria could be disrupted due to a number of reasons including illness, parasites, antibiotics, vaccinations, stress, poor diet or a change in diet. A probiotic may assist in restoring the correct balance of gastrointestinal microbes as well as improving overall health. Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast, that can be found in a number of foods and available in a range of supplements. Even if your dog appears to be in good health, a probiotic may help maintain or even improve that level of health. A good probiotic may provide many health benefits in pets including: u Improving gastrointestinal abnormalities such as bloat, diarrhoea, abdominal pain u Help in maintaining a healthy weight u Increasing energy u Improving behaviour u Reducing allergy symptoms u Improving skin and coat appearance. u Reducing inflammation With the importance of a healthy gut in dogs being more widely understood there is now a number of probiotic supplements that have been developed especially for them. It is important to give your dog a probiotic that has been designed specifically for them and not a human supplement as the gastrointestinal microbes are different in dogs to humans. In order to get the best from your dog's probiotic it is essential to feed a healthy and well balanced diet. If you have any concerns about your dog's health please contact your veterinarian to discuss. GUT HEALTH

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