Probiotics are friendly or beneficial bacterias available in diet supplements, the most popular is acidophilus, commonly found in yogurt. Probiotics are most known for their help in repairing the damage done by antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics target not one but all strains of bacteria. Antibiotics do not kill 100% of the bacteria and harmful organisms thrive, overwhelming the beneficial bacteria. Side effects of long-term antibiotic use include impaired digestion, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, chronic or systemic yeast or fungal infections, lowered immunity, and the much reported and feared creation of drug-resistant "super germs".

Benefits of Beneficial Bacteria
A healthy body should contain at least 80% beneficial bacteria. Poor diet, stress, illness, prescription drugs, and environmental factors can all effect the growth and reproduction of beneficial bacteria. Many pet foods contain ingredients that nourish harmful bacteria, such as sugars and starches, or damage good bacteria like chemical preservatives. A healthy intestinal tract will consist of dozens to hundreds of species of bacteria. These bacteria improve digestion; lower the risk of colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and similar disorders; prevent diarrhea; synthesize vitamins; detoxify the body and protect against toxins in the environment. It inhibits the growth of pathogens such as viruses, fungi, parasites and harmful bacteria. An imbalance in the digestive tract can cause digestive disorders, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, allergies, diabetes, arthritis, Vitamin B deficiencies, chronic ear infections, skin and coat problems, susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections, bad breath, poor immune response, even confusion and behavioral problems. Beneficial bacteria are the body's first line of defense. Maintaining large and vigorous populations of beneficial bacteria not only prevent all types of infection in the body, but also prevents the transmission of disease from canine to human and vice versa.
Besides yogurt, there are other foods that contain beneficial bacteria. These include sourdough bread, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso and amazake. Many can be made easily at home, including yogurt and kefir, for the most active and vigorous cultures.
Probiotics are especially beneficial in puppies and newborns, increasing the number of desirable organisms in the intestinal tract. These larger numbers of beneficial bacteria near birth can provide life-long benefits, improving numbers of organisms over the life span of the dog. Probiotics are also important during times of stress; such as travel, intense training, competition and boarding. They should also be used to boost the immune system follwing surgery, parvovirus infections, chronic diarrhea, whelping and during and after antibiotic use.

Probiotic Products
Probiotic supplements can be purchased in many different forms. Some need to be stored at room temperature, others should be refrigerated. They are manufactured as powders, liquids, tablets and capsules. Instructions may include use on an empty stomach, with food, or immediately before or after eating. Products may include a single strain or multiple strains. It is debated which is of more benefit.


Resources
Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health, by Kelly Dowhower Karpha, PhD, RPh. Trafford Publishing, 2003.

Cultivate Health from Within: Dr. Shahani's Guide to Probiotics, by Khem Shahani, PhD. Vital Health Publishing, 2005.

Pasture Perfect: The Far-Reaching Benefits of Choosing Meat, Eggs, and Dairy Products from Grass-Fed Animals, by Jo Robinson. Vashon Island Press, 2004. (www.eatwild.com)

Patient Heal Thyself, by Jordan S Rubin, NMD, PhD. Freedom Press, 2004.

"Probing Probiotics", by CJ Puotinen. The Whole Dog Journal, Vol 9, No 8, August 2006, 3-6.

"The Use of Probiotics in the Diet of Dogs", by Vincent Biourge, et al. Journal of Nutrition, Vol 128, No 12, December 1998, 2730S-2732S.