TOPICALLY-APPLIED PROBIOTIC TO TREAT DYSBIOSIS IN THE SKIN MICROBIOME OF PETS AND OTHER ANIMALS

Abstract

A topically-applied concoction of prebiotics and probiotics to treat dysbiosis in the skin microbiome of pets and other animals, which includes pet grooming products such as shampoo, conditioner, shampoo & conditioner, leave-in conditioner & detangler, deodorizing spray, or fragrance spray. A related method of treating dysbiosis using a concoction of prebiotics and probiotics is also described. Following up with other topical solutions such as conditioner, deodorizers, sprays that also contain prebiotics and probiotics can be part of the dysbiosis treatment program.

Claims

1. A method of treating dysbiosis of a microbiome found on a surface of a host animal's skin comprising the steps of: applying a product containing prebiotics and live, micro-encapsulated probiotics in dormant colony forming units to the host animal's skin; and allowing the product to absorb into the host animal's skin; wherein the dysbiosis of the microbiome on the surface of the host animal's skin is treated by application of the product containing prebiotics and live, micro-encapsulated probiotics in dormant colony forming units.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the product includes: Hansenula; Kloeckera; Saccharomyces; Lactobacillus; Lactococcus; Leuconostoc Pediococcus; Fig; and Lemon Ferment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dysbiosis of the microbiome causes ailments such as excessive shedding, matting, hotspots, dry flaky skin and autoimmune-related ailments and unpleasant odors of the host animal's skin.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the product is one of a pet shampoo, pet conditioner, pet combination shampoo and conditioner, pet leave-in conditioner and detangler, pet deodorizing spray, and fragrance spray.

5. A method of treating dysbiosis of a microbiome found on a surface of a host animal's skin comprising the steps of: applying a product containing prebiotics and live, micro-encapsulated probiotics in dormant colony forming units to the host animal's skin; allowing the product to absorb into the host animal's skin; and rinsing the product from the host animal's skin; wherein the dysbiosis of the microbiome on the surface of the host animal's skin is treated by application of the product containing prebiotics and live, micro-encapsulated probiotics in dormant colony forming units.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the product includes: Hansenula; Kloeckera; Saccharomyces; Lactobacillus; Lactococcus; Leuconostoc Pediococcus; Fig; and Lemon Ferment.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the dysbiosis of the microbiome causes ailments such as excessive shedding, matting, hotspots, dry flaky skin and autoimmune related ailments and unpleasant odors of the host animal's skin.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the product is one of a pet shampoo, pet conditioner, and pet combination shampoo & conditioner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a topical solution for the treatment of dysbiosis using encapsulated dormant colony forming units (CFUs) of beneficial bacteria in a dormant state. Exemplary delivery products of these topical probiotics include shampoos, conditioners, shampoo & conditioner, leave-in conditioner detangler, deodorizer spray, and fragrance spray/perfume/cologne and other topical solutions.

[0011] The topically-applied probiotic in accordance with the present invention comprises of a general concoction, consisting of at least one prebiotic and at least one probiotic, from among the following: Hansenula/Kloeckera/Lactobacillus/Lactococcus/Leuconostoc Pediococcus/Saccharomyces/Fig and Lemon Ferment. As would be understood to those having skill in the art, other compositions of bacterium in support and maintenance of the natural canine, feline, equine, rodent or other animal microbiome could be used and would be within the general scope of the present invention. The specific bacterium utilized may or may not be commonly found in the human or animal biome.

[0012] Animals including canine, feline, equine, rodents, primates and general livestock can be treated with the topically applied probiotic in accordance with the present invention. While the probiotic composition does not provide a direct health benefit to the microbiome host, the probiotic composition is understood to provide a health benefit to the microbiome when applied topically to the host animal's skin and/or coat. Any and all benefits are understood to be indirect in nature and the result of a normal and healthy residential bacterial community.

[0013] The topically-applied probiotic in accordance with the present invention specifically treats dysbiosis as a result of grooming, anti-bacterial medication or topical treatments, infection, medical conditions, diet, environmental conditions and/or genetic disposition.

[0014] The topically applied probiotic in accordance with the present invention may be delivered via a chemically-preserved preparation, usually a common grooming product, such as shampoo, conditioner, detangler or deodorizing spray, but also in any form suitable for application to the skin and/or coat of an animal. Other possible preparations include a hydrating wound spray or balm.

[0015] To implement one method in accordance with the present invention, the animal can be washed using the probiotic/prebiotic-infused product, such as shampoo. The washer works the shampoo into a lather and evenly distributes it though the animal's coat and onto the animal's skin. A preferred amount of shampoo is 0.5 fl. oz. per 10 pounds of animal weight. The shampoo is allowed to stay on the animal's skin and absorb into the skin for at least one minute and up to 15 minutes. A preferred amount of time is 2 minutes. The product is then rinsed with water from the animal's skin leaving a protective probiotic layer. A probiotic-infused leave-in conditioner and/or deodorizer can also be applied to introduce additional probiotics.

[0016] The introduced probiotics help to support the regeneration of the skin's beneficial pathogenic microorganisms, provide a protective shield against pathogenic microorganisms, and serve to calm the cells that want to react to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. The probiotics effectively strengthen the skin's natural biological defenses against damage from infection, environmental stresses and styling practices. This can lead to a happier, healthier animal by helping to treat and prevent the five common complaints associated with grooming: hot spots, excessive shedding, dander, odor and infection. Ideally, an animal's skin and coat can be treated bi-weekly, but not less frequently than every four weeks to preserve a clean and natural healthy balance. Leave-in conditioners and deodorizing sprays can be used daily between washings to support a healthy skin mantle.

[0017] Probiotics in accordance with the present invention work as both a protective shield and calming agent by displacing the presence of and eliminating the immune system's response to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. They also help speed up the recovery of and support a healthy skin mantle.

[0018] As pet grooming products are already widely used and understood, the present invention provides a convenient and targeted solution to treating these common pet conditions. Further, the probiotic-infused grooming product(s) can be used as a system or as stand-alone additions to an existing grooming regimen. However, the probiotic infused product should be the last product used.

[0019] Exemplary probiotics that can be used include, but are not limited to, as generally listed above, include S. thermophiles, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Saccharomyces, Fig, and Lemon Ferment, as found in a milk or sugar kefir.

[0020] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combination, and equivalents of the embodiments, methods, and examples provided herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the embodiments and examples disclosed here, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.