A Postbiotic Positively Shifts the Canine Oral Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Animal Health

Background:

• The oral microbiome significantly impacts canine oral health.
• Halitosis in dogs is often caused by volatile sulfur compound (VSC)-producing microbes.
• Postbiotics offer a potential avenue for supporting oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a canine oral health postbiotic (COHP) in modulating the canine oral microbiome.
• To assess COHP's ability to reduce VSC-producing microbes associated with halitosis.
• To investigate COHP's impact on oral microbiome composition in dogs.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a dirty tooth model in ten client-owned dogs.
• Administration of COHP or placebo as a food topper.
• Quantification of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing colonies and sequencing of oral microbiome samples.

Main Results:

• A trend towards reduced H2S-producing colonies was observed in the COHP group (P=.06).
• COHP significantly reduced the abundance of taxa associated with biofilms and VSC production.
• The placebo had a minimal impact on oral microbiome composition.

Conclusions:

• Canine oral health postbiotic (COHP) demonstrates potential in promoting a positive shift in the canine oral microbiome.
• COHP may help maintain overall canine oral health by targeting specific microbial populations.
• Further research supports COHP's role in managing canine oral health issues.