Probiotics for dogs: What are they and how can they help?

For many people, a beloved dog isn’t just a pet—they’re a member of the family. Thus, you are probably interested in keeping your pet healthy, safe, and happy. A big part of that is ensuring that their digestive systems work correctly.

The bacteria in a dog’s gut are among the most potent natural tools your pet’s body uses to protect and nourish itself. However, as with any biological system, sometimes they malfunction or need help. So what steps can you take to ensure that your precious pups are digesting their food entirely and with minimal gastric distress?

Recent discoveries have shown that there are exciting new possibilities on the horizon in the field of canine probiotics. These supplements may potentially improve your pet’s health by harmonizing and supporting their gut bacteria populations. What possibilities do scientists see in probiotics for dogs, and how can they help your dog?

What do probiotics do? 

Many pet owners have heard of probiotics for dogs, but some are not really sure what they do and how they benefit their pets. So, let’s learn more about what canine probiotics can do.

All animals’ digestive systems, whether human, dog, cat, or otherwise, use various biological tools to break down food and harvest nutrients from it.

Gut bacteria are among the most important. They form extensive and complex ecosystems within the canine gut, help your dog break down its food into the nutrients it needs, and clean and maintain the lining of the gut itself.

These systems, of course, aren’t immune to breakdown. They can get caught in a cycle of poor performance and digestive inflammation through genetics, poor diet, or just bad luck. That’s where supplements can come in handy by boosting their internal microbial systems. However, before we get to the power of probiotics, let’s look at common digestive problems your dog may have that might indicate a need for probiotic support.

What are typical digestive troubles in dogs? 

Dogs have complex and sometimes sensitive digestive systems. Common ailments that many owners report in their pets include:

• Diarrhea.
• Soft stools.
• Excessive gas.
• Digestive tract inflammation.
• Gastric distension and bloating.
• Irregular digestive upsets.

These problems can persist if they’re not tackled holistically. Probiotic supplements can help promote digestive health in a holistic wellness system designed to address the root causes of dysbiosis in the canine gut. Let’s find out how. 

What probiotics can do for canine digestive health

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: What does the scientific research on canine probiotics tell us about their potential to help dog owners improve their pets’ digestion and general health? The results have been generally strong, and more evidence is coming out daily. We’ll take a look at some of the significant studies:

• A study in Frontiers in Immunology of dogs across multiple age groups found that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics had wide-ranging benefits, including improved appetite, weight gain, and immune system function. The study found one especially interesting effect: Older dogs had among the best reactions to the probiotics, with their gut microbiomes shifting rapidly to resemble the microbe populations in younger dogs.
• A rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine studied dogs in UK animal shelters to decide whether a synbiotic supplement might have applications in preventing diarrhea. The study’s authors found statistically significant evidence that it helped reduce levels of diarrhea in shelter dogs. This study also points toward the greater potential for synbiotics—the combination of probiotics with prebiotic supplements that help condition the gut for their arrival.
• A German study published in PLoS ONE found that probiotics might effectively treat dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). The probiotic treatment was associated with faster recovery and lower levels of the toxigenic bacteria Clostridium perfringens than the placebo group.
• A clinical trial published in Gut Microbes evaluated the effect of probiotic supplements on dogs with irritable bowel disease. In dogs treated with the probiotic, researchers discovered increased levels of tight junction proteins (TJPs), a desirable protein that helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier.

We still don’t know many things about probiotics in humans and canines. We know that they have great potential to push things forward and create better health outcomes for your dog.

Like probiotics, you can also use CBD on pets to help improve your dog’s digestion. CBD can help relieve digestive issues in pets, including inflammation, nausea, and anxiety. It can also help promote healthy weight gain.

What should I know about canine probiotics?

Any supplement comes with potential risks and points of caution. You should know about some key considerations before starting any pet on a probiotic supplement, including:

• Pair canine probiotics with a healthy diet that meets your pet’s nutritional needs and appropriate exercise. Ask your veterinarian about what kind of diet your pet should be eating.
• Probiotics usually aren’t intended to provide acute medical treatment, so if you think something seriously wrong with your pet’s digestion, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet immediately. The vet can tell you when beginning a probiotic course will be appropriate.
• Monitor your pet’s behavior and health care after introducing probiotics to ensure their reaction to them is healthy and safe. Take note if they suffer symptoms such as gas or diarrhea. These can occur when new supplements are introduced, but you should discuss them with your vet.
• More research is needed to fully understand the effect of probiotic supplements on dogs. Current research is encouraging, but the gut microbiota of any animal is an incredibly complex system with many unknown factors. Thus, as always, talk to your veterinarian before starting your pet on any supplements.

Choose the right probiotic supplements for dogs

Dog supplements containing probiotics can help improve the overall health of your furry friends. But how do you choose the right probiotic supplements for your dogs? Here are some essential factors to consider: 

• Check the brand: Go for a reputable brand of probiotic dog supplements so you can vouch for the quality of their products and services. Read what verified consumers leave on review sites and post on social media about the product you’re planning to buy. Does the dog supplement receive plenty of five stars on ratings? If so, then it’s likely safe and beneficial for your dog.  
• Check the label: Review the ingredients in the probiotic supplement product for dogs. Your dog may have an allergy to some of the product’s components that you need to know. For instance, dog supplement products that contain glucosamine can cause an allergic reaction in certain dogs. The label must also have dosage instructions. Generally, the dosage depends on the size of your pet. It’s crucial to read them carefully for your dog’s safety. 
• Check the price: Many companies offer dog supplements at reasonable prices. However, higher-quality ingredients may come at a higher price. It’s essential to note that while you may save money on low-priced products, you risk harming your dog’s health with cheap ingredients. So, it’s best to invest in quality products than cause harm to your dog. You’ll know that you’ve purchased an excellent product if it improves your dog’s coat and skin and stool quality. 

Digestive health

When caring for our furry family members, few things are more important than nutrition and digestion. Paying close attention to your dog’s digestive health is vital, and now we’re beginning to understand that more proactive steps involving probiotic supplementation for dogs may be possible.

Another option to improve digestion and gut health is giving your pet CBD oil for dogs.

Research continues to advance on these supplements, so talk to your veterinarian about what kinds of supplements might be right for your pet.

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