Probiotics play a crucial role in boosting your dog's immune system by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract and play a key role in immune function.
By introducing beneficial bacteria into your dog's gut, probiotics can help maintain a balanced and diverse microbiome, which is essential for a strong immune system. These beneficial bacteria can help improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
One example of a probiotic strain that can boost your dog's immune system is Lactobacillus acidophilus. This strain has been shown to enhance the production of antibodies and stimulate the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which help defend against harmful pathogens.
Another example is Bifidobacterium animalis, which has been found to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with allergies or autoimmune conditions.
References:
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Yeo, J., & Park, J. (2016). Probiotics in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 41(2), 121-124.
Messaoudi, M., Lalonde, R., Violle, N., Javelot, H., Desor, D., Nejdi, A., ... & Cazaubiel, J. M. (2011). Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. The British Journal of Nutrition, 105(05), 755-764.