Acidophilus is a form of the lactobacillus bacteria that can be beneficial if used when illness, stress or antibiotic use compromises the health of a dog&'s intestines. According to Drs. Foster & Smith&'s article on dogs and acidophilus, "the normal &'friendly&' bacteria which help in digestion often die and are replaced by bacteria which tend to cause problems, such as gas and diarrhea." Acidophilus helps prevent overgrowth of undesirable bacteria, allowing the "friendly" bacteria to recover and repopulate.
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Probiotics
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Probiotics, including acidophilus, may be given orally to a dog suffering from intestinal disorders that disrupt the normal bacterial population and make the dog more susceptible to disease. Good intestinal flora may be reduced by surgery, antibiotics, stress, motherhood, illness or poor diet, and probiotics with acidophilus contribute nutrients to the dog&'s system and help with digestion and the synthesis of vitamins. Your dog&'s intestinal tract contains billions of bacteria and yeasts, some more helpful than others, and acidophilus and probiotics reduce the number of unhealthy organisms.
According to Pet Care Naturally, the suggested dosage range of probiotics for pets is approximately 20 to 500 million microorganisms, which should be taken regularly to promote beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract.
Yogurt
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People use probiotic supplements and natural foods, such as yogurt, to promote nutritional balance in their dogs. Many yogurts contain a strain of the probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus that naturally inhabits the intestinal tract and provides protection from “bad” bacteria. Acidophilus releases hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid, both of which "destroy or inhibit harmful bacteria," according to Quality Dogs&' article, "Is Yogurt Good For Dogs?" Acidophilus also can help reduce cholesterol levels, intestinal E. coli and some yeast infections.
Antibiotics may kill good bacteria in a dog&'s intestine, which can lead to diarrhea and gas, and feeding your dog yogurt with acidophilus is a good way to replenish the digestive system’s healthy bacteria if your dog has been taking antibiotics. Cultured yogurt and kefir are good sources of acidophilus, but be sure to use plain, unflavored products that contain active L. acidophilus yogurt cultures.
Dogs with lactose intolerance may not tolerate yogurt, which can cause diarrhea, so ask your veterinarian to recommend a supplement that provides a high dose of probiotics, so as to avoid lactose intolerance symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Health
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The gastrointestinal tract consists of hundreds of species of microorganisms called endogenous microflora, which include bacteria, yeasts, fungi and protozoa. In her article, "Probiotics and Pet Health," animal nutritionist Lark Burnham says that these microflora "play an intrinsic role in both digestion and immunology." If a dog is stressed, an infection can overpower the endogenous microflora, but by using a wide-spectrum probiotic, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, you can help your dog&'s system recover.
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