We have a dedicated store which serves in your country. Would you like us to take you there?
As a loving dog owner, you do all you can to ensure your doggo is happy and healthy. So, when you came across probiotic supplements for dogs, you probably wondered: could this be something my pup needs? Countless other dog owners have contemplated the same thing. Read on as we give you the rundown on probiotic supplements and cover the top signs that your dog needs them. Let’s get right into it!
On a base level, probiotics are good bacteria that help to keep your dog’s gut healthy. They’re essential for the overall functioning of your dog’s digestive system and can help to rebalance a gut that’s accumulated too much bad bacteria.
Each probiotic supplement may be formulated a little differently, but they typically contain specific strains of beneficial bacteria - Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus coagulans, for example - which are selected specifically for their ability to foster good gut health in dogs.
Some varieties of dog probiotics also contain prebiotics and postbiotics. The prebiotics fuel the good bacteria, and the postbiotics (which are by-products of the good bacteria) provide additional digestive support.
Here are some of the main benefits you can expect from dog probiotic supplements:
Now that you understand the basics of a dog probiotics supplement, it’s time to get into several scenarios where it makes sense to pick one up.
Is Fido biting their paws or rubbing up against furniture? Maybe you’re seeing flakiness, hair loss, or oiliness. More often than you might think, skin issues like these result from dysbiosis (an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the gut) and resulting inflammation.
How does a dog digestive health supplement help with this issue? It combats inflammation by restoring balance to the gut. This helps the skin from the inside out.
Believe it or not, if your dog stinks, there could be a serious problem in their gut. There could be a yeast-based overgrowth due to a bacterial imbalance or a buildup of sulfur and sulfites. Putting a dog with this issue on probiotics is a great idea; a probiotic supplement will bolster their immune system to clear up these issues and make those funky odors a thing of the past.
When your dog is healthy, they’ll have a lustrous, full coat. If you notice that your dog’s coat has bald spots or is looking sparse, the problem could stem from a skin issue, an allergy, or a lack of sufficient nutrients. Putting a dog with shedding and hair loss issues on probiotics is helpful because it increases the microbiomes on the skin and in the gut, reducing inflammation and restoring healthy follicular function.
When your dog has dandruff, characterized by scaly, irritated, or otherwise problematic skin, it only makes sense to reach for a probiotic. Why? Well, these supplements have been proven to be effective in addressing this condition. They do so by promoting a healthy skin microbiome, and they also give your dog’s immune system a boost. Dog owners who try probiotics for dandruff often notice a difference within a few weeks.
Does it seem like your dog’s ears are always infected? Repeated ear infections are no fun for you or your best friend. Luckily, if your doggo gets frequent ear infections, you can add probiotics to their diet; it will help to bulk up their immune response, reducing their chances of coming down with these infections and others.
Probiotics are fantastic when your dog’s stool is runny or watery. Studies have shown that giving probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhea episodes in dogs. And it all comes down to how these beneficial bacteria rebalance your gut whenever it’s been thrown out of whack. Giving this type of supplement means your dog will get back to their normal self quicker.
Could your dog’s poots peel paint? Or do they smell normal but come in quick succession? Though dog gas is stinky, it shouldn’t be abnormally odorous or frequent. These are signs of gut issues that we strongly recommend dog owners pay attention to. A well-formulated dog probiotic helps your dog digest their food more completely and effectively, reducing fermentation in the colon for less smelly (and less frequent) gas.
When your doggo is under stress, it’s common for them to also develop gastrointestinal distress. This issue occurs because of the gut-brain axis (the way your dog’s intestinal tract communicates with their brain). A probiotic supplement can help support the gut during stressful periods by promoting a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive system, reducing symptoms like:
Here’s the bonus: by enhancing the gut’s ability to process food and absorb nutrients, probiotics can help your dog feel more comfortable and bounce back from stress-inducing events even quicker. If your dog is prone to stress-induced digestive issues, adding a probiotic to their routine could make a big difference in their life.
After deciding that you need a canine probiotic supplement, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a sea of supplement options online and in-store. Which one should you choose? Here are the main things to keep in mind:
Choosing the right probiotic can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s health and happiness. So, it’s critical to take your time, do your research, and always prioritize quality over price.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about whether your dog needs probiotic supplements. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. And we wish you the best as you work to give your doggo all the nutritional support they need.
For many situations and pups, giving probiotic supplements is 1000% worth it. Depending on the specific ailment your doggo is experiencing, it can make a huge difference. Of course, if your dog doesn’t need a probiotic supplement, it won’t be worth it. But if your specific canine struggles with ailments that probiotics can resolve, the money, time, and consistency will be life-changing for your pup.
Yes, a dog definitely can overload on probiotics. And that’s something you want to actively avoid. Dogs who take more probiotics than recommended get digestive system overload and may have to deal with the following side effects:
*Note: You may notice some of the above symptoms when you first put your dog on their probiotic (even at the right dose). If these symptoms are severe or seem to linger, it’s time to talk to your vet for assistance.
Most of the time, the main thing to remember with dog probiotics is to take them once a day. The rest is typically up to you and your dog. But many like to give the probiotic with their dog’s morning meal for all-day support.
Puppies showing the signs covered above may be good candidates for dog probiotics. But make sure yours isn’t too young. From a general standpoint, dogs 12 weeks old (and sometimes younger) can take this supplement with success. If you come across a probiotic and aren’t sure if it’s appropriate for your dog’s age, ring up your vet for more information.
