A Full Guide to Probiotics for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can often need a helpful boost to their digestive systems in the form of a probiotic. They can help alleviate constipation, diarrhea, and many other digestive issues a dog may face.

Here is everything you need to know about probiotics for dogs.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are a pill that contains microorganisms that are beneficial for gut health. When we swallow these pills, the microorganisms then live in our digestive tract, along with all of the other good bacteria that can be found in our gut.

Many people hear the word bacteria and think it means something bad like an infection. However, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria are what we hear about when we get sick, have infections, or cause problems with our health. Good bacteria on the other hand are crucial to digesting food, fighting off illnesses, making nutrients, and overall just supporting our immune systems.

Benefits of Probiotics

Improve Digestion

If your dog is suffering from gas, cramping, diarrhea, or bloating, a probiotic can help to reduce some of their pain or discomfort.

Probiotics help to regulate their digestive tract and keep their immune system healthy which will help them start to feel better in no time.

Healthier Coat and Skin

Since probiotics help your dog produce and absorb vitamins and minerals more efficiently, it will have positive benefits outside of their digestive tract. This can include making their coats shinier and more nourished. You may even notice a reduction in dandruff and dry skin.

Combat Antibiotic Usage

Antibiotics are great and are important for treating illnesses. However, when your dog takes an antibiotic, it is killing all of the bacteria in their bodies, even the good kind. But since your dog needs that good bacteria to be healthy and to thrive, giving your dog a probiotic can help them to more quickly replace all of that lost healthy bacteria and get them back to feeling better more quickly.

Types of Probiotics

• Yogurt – Yogurt contains live probiotic cultures. You can give your pet plain, unsweetened yogurt.
• Powder – You can sprinkle a probiotic powder directly on top of your dog’s food.
• Capsules – If your dog takes pills well, a capsule is a fantastic way to give your dog the extra good bacteria they need.
• Chews – This may be the easiest way to give your dog a probiotic as they will just think they are getting a yummy treat.
• Dog Food – some dog foods contain probiotics so you don’t need to give your dog an extra supplement.

If you are thinking your dog may need a probiotic, contact your vet to see what their advice or recommendation may be.

Giving your pet a probiotic can get them feeling better and more energized in no time!