Canine Halitosis Improved With a Postbiotic: A Validation Study.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Oral Health

Background:

• Halitosis (oral malodor) in dogs is caused by oral microbes producing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
• VSCs are pro-inflammatory and indicate oral health status.
• A previous study showed a novel canine oral health postbiotic (COHP) reduced VSCs by 26% at 250 mg/day.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the efficacy of COHP in reducing canine oral malodor.
• To assess COHP's effectiveness at a reduced dose of 150 mg/day.
• To confirm reproducibility of previous findings at a lower dosage.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involving 24 dogs.
• Dogs received either 150 mg COHP or placebo daily for 14 days.
• VSC levels were measured using a halimeter; perceived malodor was assessed on a 10-point scale.

Main Results:

• The placebo group showed a 38% increase in VSCs by Day 14 (P=.002).
• COHP administration prevented VSC increases, showing a -26% change versus placebo on Day 14 (P=.04).
• VSC levels correlated with perceived malodor; COHP trended towards a 1-point reduction (P=.06).

Conclusions:

• COHP at 150 mg/day effectively reduces canine halitosis.
• The findings confirm the reproducibility of COHP's efficacy at a lower dose.
• COHP is a viable option for managing canine oral malodor.