Infectious gastroenteritis is one of the most common clinical disorders in puppies and young dogs, with an annual incidence of around 8% in primary care. Although most episodes are mild and self‑limiting, diarrhoea remains a leading reason for the empirical prescription of antibiotics, despite current guidelines advising against their routine use in uncomplicated cases. In this context, dog‑specific probiotics are emerging as an effective and microbiota‑friendly alternative.
A study conducted by researchers at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid evaluated two probiotic strains derived from canine milk — Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CECT 30021 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 30022 — in 49 newly weaned Labrador Retriever puppies. Over a six‑week period, the animals received one of the strains, the combination of both, or a placebo.
The results showed a marked reduction in gastroenteritis and antibiotic use in the supplemented groups, together with greater weight gain, improved faecal consistency and lower levels of inflammatory markers. According to the authors, these probiotic strains are safe and effective during the weaning period and represent a promising tool to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea and limit unnecessary antimicrobial use in veterinary practice.
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