We as humans know that dogs and cats can suffer from food or environmental allergies the same way we do. These conditions can often be difficult to treat and require some internal help to repair the skin.
Prebiotics and probiotics have been known for years to be an effective way to improve overall health. But now more specifically, they are finding a correlation between pre and probiotics treating medical conditions like allergies.
What is an allergy?
Allergies occur when there is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance called an allergen. This allergen can be triggered by a number of factors including foods, environmental or insects. Subsequent exposure of these allergens can cause an overreaction in the immune system, whereas normally a healthy immune system will fight off these harmful infections and disease. But allergies can make the immune system much more harmful than good.
Common symptoms of allergies in dogs
- Itching/biting/licking skin
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Running nose and/or watery eyes
Difference between prebiotics and probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that are extremely beneficial to the digestion system and overall health of your pet. These bacterias all work together to ensure digesting food and the breakdown of other substances goes as smoothly as possible. By increasing the amounts of good bacteria in the digestion system means there is better digestion and more nutrients gained and improved overall health.
Prebiotics travel through the digestive system without breaking down then undergo conversion into nourishment for the good gut bacteria. Basically, they improve digestion so nutrients are absorbed better and the immune system can work at 100%.
As you can see, prebiotics and probiotics work together to ensure optimal health is gained!
How Prebiotics and Probiotics work in treating allergies
Currently the exact correlation between pre and probiotics and treating allergies is not fully understood, however researchers do have their theories.
As we have already discussed, allergies disturb the normal gut bacteria. The use of pre and probiotics can help to replenish the gut, regulate the immune response and promote a healthy gut.
There is lots of research to show how close the gut and skin disorders are linked to each other. Studies have shown that restoring the balance of gut bacteria has helped many animals suffering from skin disorders.
How to feed prebiotics and probiotics to your pet?
There are many ways in which your pet can get these essential nutrients. These can include certain foods and or a natural supplement!
Prebiotic foods:
- Legumes (peas, lentils, beans)
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dandelion greens
Probiotic foods:
- Live yogurt (such as kefir)
- Sauerkraut
- Microalge
OR one of the easiest and most abundant ways to feed these pre and probiotics to your pet is through a supplement.
Pet Drs have formulated a Gut + Immunity supplement that contains a complete balance of these pre and probiotics. This formula has been formulated and approved by a naturopath and veterinarian to ensure the best ingredients were chosen.
It also comes in an easy powder form that you can add to your pets food once a day!
