Probiotics

This article was taken from The Canine Workshop.Science Corner.( by the editor)

As we become more sophisticated in a scientific approach towards our dogs, sometimes we fail to see things which are right under our noses. The use of probiotics (using friendly microbes to work in symbiosis for us) is not new but it has become more popular and is particularly useful when raising pups. I use it on my newborns and on my adult dogs

Here are some facts that you should consider.They act as "watchdogs" by keeping an eye on, and effectively controlling, the spread of undesirable microorganisms ( by altering the acidity of the region they inhabit and/or producing specific antibiotic substances, as well as by depriving rival unfriendly bacteria of their nutrients). The antibiotics and some of the friendly bacteria produced are effective against many harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi

Not the least of the potentially harmful yeasts controlled by some lactobacilli is "Candida albicans," now implicated in many health problems in people who are malnourished or whose immune systems are depleted. Puppies are born with bacteria-free digestive tracts, which are quickly populated by disease-causing and health promoting bacteria. The question becomes, "Which type of bacteria will dominate?". Providing direct-fed microbial cultures shortly after birth can favour the beneficial bacteria. The lactic acid producing bacteria could inhibit diarrhea-causing microorganisms,and can aid the puppy in the absorption of nutrients. Microbial gels and pastes are available for oral delivery to puppies, or as dry cultures to be mixed with dry or moist foods.

Some disease causing- bacteria reduce an animals ability to absorb nutrients by disrupting the lining of the small intestine. Studies indicate the lactic acid-producing bacteria attach to the small intestine and produce a substance to prevent disease-causing organisms from binding to the intestinal wall. In addition, the attachment of the beneficial -bacteria may increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine and enhance enzyme activity for greater nutrient absorption by the animal. The lactic acid-producing bacteria most frequently featured in direct-fed microbial products include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus (Entrerococcus) faecium and Lactobacillus lactis. Enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria boosts the performance of healthy animals.

The B-vitamins, enzymes and other factors secreted by the lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast stimulate other health promoting bacteria. Enhancing fiber digestion could reduce the stools produced by dogs. The ability of yeast to increase food intake has geen recognized for centuries.I use a product called FASTRACK by Conklin comes in a gel form and can be used for pups and adults as well. It is a super product. They can be reached on the web by dialing www.conklin.com