New research looks at the benefit of BLIS K12™ probiotic in dogs
BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT) announces the successful completion of the first phase in a research programme, which
focuses on preventing bad breath in dogs. According to the programme leader at BLIS Technologies, Dr John Hale the BLIS
K12™ probiotic, which is already known for its ability to inhibit bacteria responsible for the severe bad breath in
humans, has been given to dogs to determine if bad breath can be reduced or eliminated in companion animals.
“The trial was a pilot study to determine the viability of the BLIS K12™ probiotic in a dog’s mouth, using either a
liquid and solid dose form” Hale said. “The results from this small pilot trial were encouraging enough to commence a
longer, extended dosing trial in dogs, which started in Dunedin last week”
The study was made possible through collaboration between BLIS Technologies and the Otago Polytechnic School of
Veterinary Nursing, where many of the staff have volunteered their own dogs for the trial. BLIS Technologies has already
undertaken bench-top studies in their own laboratory and found that their BLIS K12™ probiotic was able to inhibit around
50% of the various bacteria of a dog’s mouth and this is a big part of the reason why the Company has undertaken these
trials in dogs.
Bacterial infections of the teeth and gums in dogs and cats are increasing problem, according to the veterinary industry
and while BLIS Technologies is currently just focused on bacterial bad breath in dogs, it is hoped that the Company
could eventually expand its research into the animal periodontal area.
"This research represents further evidence that the BLIS K12™ probiotic is a highly versatile organism and plays an
important role in the Company’s commercial strategy " said Dr Barry Richardson, Chief Executive of BLIS Technologies.
"We believe that this early data points to a beneficial effect in dogs and we would expect further studies to confirm
this effect before commercialization in the animal market."
ends