Treatment Of Stress-Induced Dogs With Saccharomyces And Pediococcus To Determine Resistance To Gastrointestinal Distress

Abstract

In a study of 154 dogs from two veterinary clinics in Maryland, probiotics of lyophilized Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii were administered to 83 dogs with the goal to test whether probiotics could relieve the stress of boarding and confer gastrointestinal stability. In boarded dogs, stress caused by changes in their environment or diet manifests as gastrointestinal disturbances. When treated with probiotics of lyophilized Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii, boarded dogs experienced less diarrhea and improved stool consistency. Fecal analysis to track treatment of probiotics was made, microbial analysis indicated increased probiotic concentrations in absence of gastrointestinal distress, and served to explain the transient benefit probiotics provided to dogs. We concluded that probiotic treatment of lyophilized Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii were effective at relieving stress experienced by boarded animals.