What is the gut microbiome?

All animals, including dogs and people, have millions of bacteria in their guts. These ‘friendly’ gut bacteria help your dog to digest food as well as provide natural defences against the invasion of potentially harmful microbes. The bacteria inhabiting the intestines are referred to as the gut microbiome. We are learning more and more about the benefits of a healthy microbiome, but we do know that it has a huge impact on the overall well-being of our dogs.

What are probiotics for dogs?

Probiotics can be used to top up the levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria and improve the gut microbiome. This can be particularly helpful if your dog suffers from a digestive disorder, or their gut flora has been disturbed by medication. Probiotics are live microorganisms often given to dogs as a supplement. They may come in powder, paste or tablet form with bacteria specific to improve the gut health of dogs. However, some high-quality diets have probiotics included in their recipes, which can save owners from having to administer any separate treatments, depending on their dog’s needs.

What are prebiotics for dogs?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre sources that can increase the number of specific bacteria populations. As these bacteria metabolise prebiotics, the by-products made can have local anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining and produce energy for your dog. Dietary fibres can also help improve stool consistency, improve the mucus lining of the digestive tract as well as helping improve the health of cells in the intestines. Simply put, prebiotics help good gut bacteria to grow and multiply. Prebiotics are therefore often given at the same time as probiotics.

Are pre and probiotics good for dogs?

Yes! Pre and probiotics for dogs can be excellent at improving digestive health. They are often used to: Help treat sudden onset, uncomplicated diarrhoea cases Prevent stress-induced diarrhoea Manage chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) alongside medication and dietary changes Increase levels of gut bacteria following courses of antibiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are considered very safe for dogs. Their proven benefits mean that even healthy dogs could show an improvement in gut health, with decreased flatulence and improved stool consistency.

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Top 10 Christmas Songs for Dogs: Keep Your Pup Wagging This Festive Season

Amy Gossling

December 25, 2024

It’s that magical time of year when Christmas music fills the air, and according to a new study, it’s not just humans who love a festive tune—our furry friends are also fans! From "Driving Home For Christmas" to "Jingle Bells," dogs seem to prefer upbeat holiday hits that get their tails wagging.

But why does music resonate with dogs, and how can you ensure they stay calm and happy this Christmas? Let’s dive in.

Why Do Dogs Enjoy Music?

A survey by Guide Dogs UK found that music can have a calming effect on dogs. A quarter of dog owners said that playing music helped their pup feel calm or comfortable, while 11% noted that it even helped their dog sleep better. Interestingly, dogs appear to favour upbeat tracks over slower, instrumental ones, likely because lively rhythms mimic the energy and playfulness dogs thrive on.

Helen Whiteside, Chief Scientific Officer at Guide Dogs UK, explains:

"This Christmas will be a step-change for an entire generation of new dogs born during lockdown. Houses are likely to be busier than normal, and many dogs' routines will change. Music is often used to calm dogs in times of change and stress, so it’s unsurprising that it will play a key role for dogs this Christmas."

Top 10 Christmas Songs for Dogs

Top 10 Christmas Songs for Dogs
If you’re looking to build the ultimate dog-friendly holiday playlist, here are the top tracks that pups love:

1. Last Christmas – Wham!
2. Jingle Bells
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
4. Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea
5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
6. Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade
7. Silent Night
8. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
9. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé
10. A Wonderful Christmas Time – Paul McCartney

@yearsuk Acording to Country Living, the dogs have spoken and these are the top 10 festive tunes loved by pooches 🐶🎄 #top10dogs #christmastiktok #dogsoftiktok ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

Create a Stress-Free Festive Atmosphere for Your Dog

While music is a fantastic way to create a calming environment, it’s essential to consider your dog’s overall well-being during the holidays. With all the excitement, visitors, and changes in routine, it’s easy for dogs to feel overwhelmed.

Here are some top tips to keep your pup happy this Christmas:

Stick to a Routine: Try to maintain their usual feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule.
Provide a Safe Space: Create a quiet area where your dog can retreat if they need some alone time.
Offer Healthy Treats: Keep festive snacks dog-friendly and avoid harmful foods like chocolate or mince pies.

The Role of a Good Diet During the Holidays

Amid the festive feasting, don’t forget that a balanced diet is key to your dog’s health and happiness. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet not only supports their energy levels but also helps them cope with the added excitement of the season.

At Years, we understand the importance of giving your dog the best. Our breed-specific fresh dog food is crafted from whole food ingredients, ensuring your pup gets all the nutrients they need to thrive. Whether they’re enjoying a quiet evening with "Silent Night" or bouncing along to "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday", a healthy diet will keep their tail wagging all season long.

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