Adrienne is a licensed dog trainer and a former veterinary assistant who collaborates with some of the world’s top vets.
What Are the Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs?
According to studies1, some probiotic species may offer particular advantages to dogs.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help to:
Bacillus species can also support the immune response.
Susana has always been around animals and is a devoted animal lover. She has volunteered at numerous Southern California animal shelters. She lives with her husband, son, two dogs, and one cat in a loving home. In her free time, she likes to make pottery, play the piano, experiment with new Italian recipes, and go hiking with her family and dogs.
A dog’s symptoms frequently worsen before they start to get better, and they might even start to appear if they weren’t there before they started taking the supplements. Despite the fact that probiotics are typically not prescribed, it is always advisable to speak with a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues before starting a probiotic regimen.
Probiotics supplements of any kind, including those for pets, typically don’t need a prescription. Dog owners can typically buy canine probiotics over the counter at any pet store, online, or through the company’s catalog if they want to try them out purely for the health benefits. However, the owner may wish to seek advice from a veterinarian before using probiotics for dogs to treat a specific health issue. For instance, canine probiotics can assist in treating a dog’s unhealthy digestive system, but only a veterinarian can determine whether or not a serious underlying medical condition is the root of the digestive issue. Before reaching for the probiotics, it is best for the dog if his owner first takes him to the doctor for a comprehensive examination.
Probiotic supplements are typically safe, despite the fact that they can occasionally cause side effects. Digestional discomforts like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas may be among these side effects. As the dog’s body adjusts to the probiotics, his initial symptoms may worsen. Additionally, administering the probiotics, particularly if they are in tablet form, may be challenging for the owner. Before finding the ideal probiotics for his dog and beginning to see results, the owner may initially experience a period of trial and error.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
So, why give probiotics to dogs? And when should they be given? Susan G. Wynn, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist in Atlanta, explains that the gut is the largest component of the bodys immune system. Indeed, it is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of the body’s immune system is found in the digestive tract.
The intestinal flora and mucosa diligently fight disease-causing microorganisms around-the-clock. However, occasionally these defenses fail, causing a cascade of side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. This is when the aid of probiotics can be helpful.
Probiotics increase the amount of beneficial bacteria while decreasing the likelihood that disease-causing pathogens will establish a base of operations in the intestinal tract, according to Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, program chair of veterinary technology at Sanford-Brown College in Dearborn, Michigan. They also support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and help treat diarrhea brought on by antibiotics.
Probiotics have shown promising results in treating stress colitis, according to a recent study. The College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University discovered that probiotics were just as effective as the well-known antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl), which is frequently used to treat acute diarrhea in shelter dogs. The researchers asserted that “the probiotic is an equally effective treatment to the conventional antibiotic regime for the treatment of acute diarrhea in shelter dogs” in their own words. “.
According to Dr. Karen Becker, probiotics have been shown beneficial for stressed dogs who are boarding and traveling helping them deal better with digestive upset. Also, their use was helpful in replenishing healthy bacteria in pets given rounds of antibiotics, alleviating digestive issues in the case of abrupt dietary changes, enhancing the immune system in young pups and ill dogs and improving digestion and overall stool quality of large breed dogs.
FAQ
Should I give my dog a probiotic if he has diarrhea?
Probiotics can help treat dog diarrhea brought on by stress colitis from boarding, moving, or any other disruption in routine, so the answer is yes. sudden dietary adjustments, such as feeding your dog a novel or uncommon food A bacterial imbalance from long-term antibiotic use.
How long does it take for probiotics to stop diarrhea in dogs?
Consistency is key because natural probiotics may take four to seven days to establish that healthy gut community and eradicate the bad bacteria and disturbances in their gut.
Do probiotics help firm up stool in dogs?
Yes, giving your dog extra “beneficial good” bacteria can aid in better digestion and firm up any unappealing soft stools. You can also help your dog’s allergies, yeast infections, dermatitis, and even dental problems with liquid probiotics like Probonix.
What can I give my dog for diarrhea?
In addition to rice, simple foods like pumpkin, cottage cheese, peeled boiled potatoes, and plain chicken breast can help your dog’s diarrhea. Do not give your dog this bland diet for more than a few days as it is unbalanced.