The intestinal flora is an important barrier against the penetration of pathogens. But what exactly is this intestinal flora and how can it protect our dog?
What is the intestinal flora?
The digestive system is home to one of the richest microbial populations on our planet, the intestinal flora. Compared to other mammals, our dogs have short intestines: about seven times shorter than humans.
In order to be able to absorb enough nutrients on this short journey, nature has provided our dogs with an extensive intestinal flora. This flora consists of 99 percent bacteria and the rest fungi and viruses.
The intestinal flora as a defense shield
This flora is an integral part of the intestinal barrier and protects the dog against the penetration of pathogens.
On the one hand, the intestinal flora compete for oxygen, nutrients and a place to attach to the intestinal wall
On the other hand, the intestinal flora creates an unfavorable environment for intruders
Did you know that?
There is a link between unbalanced gut flora and allergies and osteoarthritis!
The intestinal flora of puppies
Puppies, like humans, do not yet have intestinal flora until they are born. They absorb the first bacteria as they pass through the birth canal and from their environment. Then, the intestinal flora develops from the bacteria present in the mother's milk.
As long as a puppy drinks milk, his stomach and intestines are accessible to these bacteria. As soon as puppies eat solid food, the absorption of these good bacteria from milk stops.
Early contact of puppies with good bacteria determines the development of a good immune response. The microbes stimulate the immune cells just below the intestinal wall.
It has been scientifically proven that the administration of probiotics strengthens the resistance of puppies.
Maintain the intestinal flora
Your dog's intestinal flora is very fragile. An imbalance can quickly develop, for example when your dog has eaten something he shouldn't have.
This can cause intestinal cramps, flatulence, loose stools, weight loss and bad breath.
The causes of such an imbalance are :
➤ A n incomplete diet
➤ S ynthetic substances that inhibit the growth of good bacteria
➤ A ntibiotics. These do not distinguish between "good" and "bad" bacteria. Whenever antibiotics are given, part of the gut flora dies. This is why dogs often have diarrhea at the end of an antibiotic treatment.
➤ S tress alters gut flora and increases gut activity
In dogs, the intestinal flora must be constantly maintained and pre- and probiotics are ideal for this purpose.
Prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth and activity of intestinal bacteria and thus promote your dog's health. Inulin is a perfect example. Inulin is a sugar found in the roots of plants such as inula, chicory, dandelion and artichoke.
Probiotics are generally good bacteria and yeast that enrich the intestinal flora. They are grown under controlled conditions and added to nutritional supplements.
Scientific research has shown the importance of a balanced intestinal flora. For example, there is an important link between the intestinal flora and the development of intestinal problems.
The importance of intestinal flora
Between your dog's intestinal cells and the intestinal flora, there is a symbiosis. This means that your dog and the intestinal flora need each other to survive. Good gut microbes are essential to our dog's health:
➤ They are crucial for the development of a good immune system
➤ Form a barrier against pathogens
➤ They play an important role in the digestion and synthesis of certain
➤ vitamins (vitamins K, B12, biotin and folate).
Did you know that?
Dogs and wolves are still more than 99% genetically related? And that in the wild, wolves first eat the abdominal contents of their prey to maintain their intestinal flora and provide the necessary nutrients.
This is how wolves get natural pre- and probiotics.
Advice
There are several things you can do yourself to keep your dog's gut flora as healthy as possible:
➤ Vary different types of meat in his diet to best enrich the gut flora
➤ Combine medical treatment always with pre- and probiotic to stimulate his intestinal flora.
➤ Avoid stress in your dog.
Lore & Science has therefore formulated the Perfect FlorePerfect Flore, a complete food supplement to support the intestinal flora of your puppy and/or dog.
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