Pet gut health. Would you ever say there is a connection between gut health and the immune system of our pets? Your dog/cat’s health depends mainly on their gastrointestinal tract’s well-being. Therefore, helping them maintain a healthy gut also means helping them fight disease!
Your pet’s gastrointestinal health is closely linked to its immune system. Find out how probiotics, prebiotics and nucleotides can help strengthen your dog or cat’s natural defences.
The role of the immune system
Animals are exposed to the attack of bacteria and viruses daily. Just like humans, they are equipped with a natural defence mechanism, the immune system, which can be imagined as an army ready to react to prevent disease.
But what does the gut have to do with it? The heart is the first interface with the outside world and is, therefore, faced with external threats of pathogens.
The microbial flora: we are not alone!
A fundamental component of this defence system is the microbial flora. Today, we speak of the ‘microbiota’, i.e., the collection of microorganisms whose function is to keep pathogenic bacteria under control. The composition of the microbiota in the early stages of life is essential for the maturation of the puppy’s immune system.
However, its delicate balance can be undermined by numerous conditions such as dietary changes, infections and stressful situations. How can we strengthen the immune system through the gut in such cases?
Probiotics: the good bacteria
Probiotics can strengthen our dog's or cat's body’s defences. These microorganisms help restore the microbial flora by favouring the replication of good bacteria to the detriment of pathogenic ones.
Prebiotics, which promote the growth of one or more bacterial species and influence the composition of the intestinal flora, are other allies for strengthening the microbiota and, consequently, the immune system. These include certain fibres, such as inulin and some yeast components.
Have you ever heard of nucleotides?
Nucleotides can be regarded as the ‘building blocks’ of nudeic acids (DNA and RNA) and are essential in particular conditions, e.g. during growth, for the development of the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract in puppies and kittens, or in the case of gastrointestinal problems.
Their action helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall and stimulates the growth of good microbial flora. They also improve immune cell response and antibody production.
Therefore, their supplementation can be considered a helpful ally in preserving the intestinal health of our older animals, both puppies and adults.
The minimum recommended time of use for supplements is seven days. However, it may be helpful to extend their administration for 3-4 weeks, always seeking the advice of your veterinarian.
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