Improving the Health of Teeth in Cats and Dogs with Live Probiotic Bacteria

Background: Periodontal infections are the most common disease of cats and dogs. About 70% - 80% of them suffer from these infections during their lifetime. These infections occur in two forms, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gingiva which can be cured. As with humans, the harmful bacteria can cause infections also in organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Besides veterinary treatment, also the owner’s everyday care is essential. Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and clinically test easy home care probiotic product for cats’ and dogs’ oral health. Methods: Nine cats and thirteen dogs were given a combination of selected bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus SP4, Lactobacillus plantarum 14D and Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (Petguide powder) in powder form daily for four weeks on top of the dry feed. Microbiological samples were taken before and after the intervention from each dog and cat. The samples were analyzed with flow cytometric analysis using Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium sp. as indicators for oral health. Results: The home care treatment with these specific, live probiotic bacteria was shown to prevent the growth of infectious bacteria within four weeks. Petguide probiotic powder reduced the relative abundance of infectious microbes significantly (p = 0.005) in cats and dogs. Conclusion: The results suggest that the probiotic product with three live strains of probiotic bacteria prevents the growth of infectious bacterial species that are known to cause infections in pets’ mouths. Therefore, this probiotic combination could be used to improve the oral health of pets and increase their quality of life.