If you’re not familiar with probiotics, you’ll definitely want to be. Probiotics are a group of beneficial bacteria which thrive in the dog’s digestive system. Some of those bacteria do their thing in the colon (large intestine) whereas the other ones like to stay in the small intestine or the stomach.
All animals (and people) have the same 6 bacteria living in their digestive system:
Firmicutes
Spirochaetes
Bacteroidetes
Fusobacteria
Actinobacteria
Proteobacteria
These 6 groups of bacteria make up 99% of all bacteria living inside your gut. This interesting and rather sophisticated community keeps your dog in a good shape.
They produce some kind of fatty acids which prevent harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, to grow and multiply. Apart from this, they promote healthy digestion and help to regulate the immune system.
It’s also assumed that probiotics play a role in the prevention of bladder infections, inflammations and allergic reactions.
Probiotics can be given on a regular basis, with permission of your veterinarian. Some probiotic products are “specialized” in resolving specific digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
When you give one of these products, look for the ones that are cooled (i.e. stored in a fridge). This is because they are fresh and contain more living bacteria compared to non-refrigerated versions. The more living organism there are, the better it is.
After starting a supplemental diet, keep track on your dogs overall well-being. If you notice any changes in his behavior, consult your veterinarian.
Note: As with every product, only buy probiotic supplements from a reputable source!
As dogs get older, their joints start to suffer. The soft tissue between the bones and joints starts to deteriorate and this can cause arthritis.
A lot of research has been conducted and many results claim that glucosamine slows down the deterioration process of the joint tissue. Essentially this means that it slows down the formation of arthritis and other painful diseases.
Glucosamine is present in many nutritional supplements or as a stand-alone product. It’s recommended to add this supplement to your dog’s diet if:
Has problems sitting and laying down
Doesn’t want to jump
Has difficulties walking stairs
The dog starts limping
These 4 scenarios are clear signs of joint and hip problems and should not be ignored. You should take your dog to the veterinarian when you see these situations develop!
Note: Some dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, have a lot of hip and joint problems. Supplementing glucosamine can improve their life quality!
Thank you for staying with me, I hope you've learned some useful information.
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