Dogs are like the furry little humans of our lives. They have similar needs and desires for a healthy lifestyle, which is why it’s important to be mindful of what they are eating and drinking while also taking care of their overall well-being.
We all know that healthy living is good for us, but did you know that probiotics are a very important part of our daily diet? Probiotics promote gut health and can contribute to a healthier immune system.
They also help maintain the balance between good and bad bacteria in your pet’s intestines. These benefits mean less stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and weight gain for your dog. And if you’re wondering about how probiotic supplements work on dogs–they do exactly what they do for humans! You can either mix probiotics into your pet’s meal or treat them as a supplement.
Here in this article, we will talk about the different health benefits and also the side effects of probiotics for your dogs.
What are Probiotics?
Did you know that your dog’s digestive system is similar to yours? The stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are all present in both humans and dogs. Probiotics for dogs help to maintain a healthy gut by maintaining the balance of good bacteria in the body. Without this balance, bad bacteria can take over which leads to more diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems.
Probiotics can also be found as capsules, chewable or powders to give to your dog daily for their health benefits. You may want to consult with your veterinarian before giving probiotics to your pup though because not all dogs will react well due to allergies or other factors.
When is it a Good Time for my Dog to Eat Probiotics?
Probiotics are a must-have for any healthy dog. These beneficial bacteria help with digestive health and immune function, among other things. But when should you give your pup probiotics?
You may be wondering if it’s necessary to administer them during the winter months or in cases of illness. Here we’ll explore when your dog might need probiotics so that you know what to do if your pet needs these beneficial bacteria!
A healthy canine can get their daily dose of probiotics by eating foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi. Probiotic supplements are also available at most vet offices as well as online through Amazon and other retailers. If they’re feeling under the weather or have diarrhea, supplementing them with probiotics will help get things back on the right track.
Before you give your dog a probiotic supplement or another form of natural antibiotics, you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can tell you how much probiotic is right for your dog, if there are any side effects from taking it and whether it would be good for them in their current state of health or after an illness.
Eating probiotics daily as a part of healthy living will help keep everything running smoothly in your pup’s gut. If you give them to your dog after they’ve had about of diarrhea or have been feeling under the weather, it will help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in their digestive tract. You can also prevent illness by giving your dog probiotics daily!
Probiotics help maintain the balance of good bacteria, keeping your dog happy and healthy. We recommend giving your dog one probiotic per pound of body weight daily for at least four weeks after any big life event that may put him under stress- such as moving house or introducing another pet into the home.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs with Special Needs — Now you can choose from the full line of brands at our store and find what works best for your dog. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs with Allergies, Diarrhea, and GI Issues — Probiotics play a number of critical roles in the survival and well-being of your dog. They help to regulate the immune system’s response to allergies that cause diarrhea. These supplements also restore balance to the intestinal tract so your pet is no longer suffering from loose stools. Other benefits include:
Better Digestion
Probiotic supplements for dogs regulate the balance of good versus bad bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract, which eliminates gas, bloating, and constipation.
Improved Immune System Function
A healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is essential for your dog’s immune system to function properly. Probiotics can improve digestive health and prevent inflammation that may lead to chronic diseases, like arthritis. The following are 3 ways on how probiotics aid in your dogs immune system:
1) Ingestion of living bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Saccharomyces boulardii restores a normal bacterial flora, boosting immunity by producing natural antibiotics and vitamins that help fight infection
2) Probiotic supplementation stimulates the growth of good bacteria through competition with bad bacteria which protects against diarrhea and other intestinal disorders
3) Supplements containing prebiotics, soluble fibers that feed probiotic organisms growing in the colon, support the development of friendly flora in the intestines
The Benefits of Probiotic Supplements for Dogs with Cancer
You may think that probiotics are only good for preventing or treating diarrhea, but cancer in dogs is another disease they can help cure. Studies have shown that physiological concentrations of certain lactic acid bacteria substantially suppress metastasis of many types of cancer in laboratory animals.
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs with Heart Disease
Other than improving your dog’s digestive system, probiotics can also contribute to a healthier heart. Studies have shown that supplementation of the intestinal microflora has been found to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by reducing cholesterol levels and blocking inflammation in the blood vessels.
Better Overall Health
Proper gut flora levels are critical to your dog’s health. Dogs that don’t have the right balance of good and bad bacteria in their digestive systems are more susceptible to developing the disease. Probiotics help prevent this from happening by maintaining the correct balance of “good” gut bacteria. Additionally, probiotic supplements for dogs can help treat dogs with allergies and diarrhea.
Side Effects of Probiotics in Dogs
Dog owners and veterinarians are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve their pet’s health. Probiotics can be a great addition as they can help with digestion, skin problems, and even allergies.
However, there are some side effects that you should know about before starting your dog on probiotics. The first is gastrointestinal upset which may include diarrhea or vomiting in some cases. The second is allergic reactions such as hives or itchy skin. Lastly, probiotics can interfere with other medications so always consult your vet before adding them to your dog’s diet!
Remember there is not one probiotic supplement that will work for every pet so it is important to talk to a veterinarian before giving any medications or supplements to your pets.
Conclusion
For many people, their canine family members are a member of the family.
As such, it is our responsibility to provide them with quality care and ensure that they have all of the nutrients they need for long life.
By making sure your dog has appropriate levels of probiotics in their diet, you will be able to see great health benefits throughout their lifespan–starting now!
If you would like some more information on how these supplements work or want help finding one for your pup, then comment below.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions about this topic as well as helping you find something that suits your furry friend’s needs best!
