THE IMPORTANCE OF
GUT
HEALTH IN PETS The gut reaction – you know the feeling in the pit of your stomach – fear; grief and a myriad of emotions that are felt deep in your gut. Scientific research is providing us with an enormous amount of information about the importance of gut health.
G
ut health is often referred to as gut microbiome. This is the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive tract. The “gut” generally is thought to mean the stomach and intestines. When balanced the “good” bacteria are able to do their work, however, an unbalanced microbiome allows the “bad” microbes to grow and create numerous digestive disturbances for pets and people. A healthy or balanced gut microbiome is essential for a pet’s general health. It helps regulate digestion, protects the body from infection and produces hormones beneficial for mental health. Approximately 60-70% of the immune system is located in the gut and creates up to 80% of antibodies. Scientists are discovering fascinating information about the “second brain” or the gut-brain connection. For example, the gut contains more neurotransmitters than the brain; many of chemicals and hormones used by the brain and nervous system such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA are produced in the gut. These hormones affect mood, anxiety, and sleep patterns. What are some of the signs of imbalance in the gut; that there are more “bad” bacteria than “good” bacteria? There can be digestive disturbances such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea, or abdominal cramping. Inflammation in the gut can develop which could cause the immune system to over react producing inflammation in the whole body. In addition to digestive issues your pet may develop allergies (itchy skin, ear infections, and hot spots), dull coat, bad breath, and joint pain. What can you do to improve your pet’s gut health? Diet plays a major role in gut health. There are ways to supplement your pet’s diet to make it gut-friendly without making major
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changes. One way is to add bone broth to your pet’s food. It is nutritious, collagen-rich and studies note that it helps reduce inflammation and heals the gut. It also adds moisture to dry food which helps keep pets hydrated. Studies show that drinking sufficient water has a beneficial effect on the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Other supplements to consider adding to your pet’s diet are probiotics. They contain live, beneficial bacteria that help balance your pet’s microbiome. The best is to add a probiotic that includes strains of bacteria that are resident in your pet’s gut. There is concern about adding prebiotics to a pet’s diet. In pets with an imbalanced gut ratio of “good” versus “bad” bacteria they could cause harmful bacteria to grow. Reducing stress is another way to help your pet. Make sure they are getting enough physical activity, mental stimulation and adequate playtime to help them get rid of excess energy. There is a connection between stress and the destruction of good bacteria. If you make changes to your pet’s diet or lifestyle it is important to do it carefully and gradually. Making too many changes is stressful and could create more gut upsets and problems. Gut health is a complex issue; if your pet is experiencing serious gut or GI problems call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
Keeping your pet’s gut or microbiome happy and healthy is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy!
https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important/2019/07 www.healthline.com/health/gut-health www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/amazing-world-canine-gut-microbiome
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • July/August 2021
