Good Gut Ingredients (Bifidobacterium longum research)

A group of 24 anxious Labrador Retrievers was enrolled in the trial and all dogs were fed the same complete and balanced diet. For the first six weeks, 12 dogs were supplemented with B. longum BL999 while the other 12 were given a placebo.

Following a three-week washout period, the supplemented and placebo groups were reversed for an additional six weeks, so that each dog served as his or her own control. During each phase, the dogs’ behaviors in response to a variety of stimuli were recorded and heart rate and heart rate variability, as well as salivary cortisol concentrations, were assessed. Day-to-day behaviors (e.g., spinning, pacing, jumping, barking) were also noted.

The findings showed that B. longum BL999 administration resulted in statistically significant improvement in dogs displaying day-to-day anxious behavior, as well as reduced salivary cortisol concentrations, decreases in heart rates and increases in heart rate variability.5 By feeding a probiotic that positively affects dogs, veterinarians can offer owners a new strategy to help manage dogs with anxiety

Research & article credits: Purina Vets