BLIS Technologies Ltd in New Zealand has announced the successful completion of the first phase in a research program that focuses on preventing bad breath in dogs. According to the program 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."