Are Probiotics Safe For Dogs?
Is your dog experiencing stomach and digestion issues? If so, your furry buddy might benefit from taking dog probiotics. Many dog parents report that probiotics are a great help in restoring the digestive health of their pet.
Reported Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
- Better digestion
- Can help to modulate the immune system
- Avoid urinary tract infections
- Give intestinal benefits by producing short-chain fatty acids, which inhibit harmful bacteria
- Lessen allergic reactions by decreasing intestinal permeability and controlling inflammation
- Mitigate or stop diarrhea, irritable bowel, and intestinal inflammation
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are helpful microorganisms that live in ours and our dog’s digestive tracts.
Millions or Billions of these helpful bacteria live in the gastrointestinal system of animals. These healthy gut bacteria help to prevent disease and promote digestive (and overall) health by balancing digestion and other internal mechanisms.
Helpful microorganisms execute functions like:
- Bolstering immunity
- Breaking down food
- Warding off harmful pathogens
- Producing nutrients and vitamins
Now let’s explore some of the types of dog probiotics and if they could be a good fit for your dog’s health.
What Kind of Probiotics are Best for Dogs?
Most dog probiotics come in powder, paste, or treat form. If your dog has teeth issues or problems chewing, powder or paste probiotics can be the best solution. A more natural source of probiotics is yogurt or kefir, however lactose can upset a dog’s stomach. Make sure to get a variety with live cultures. Many brands of probiotics for dogs contain different strains. Some products use cultures made from yogurt and may not contain live probiotics. Check the label to make sure there are no artificial sweeteners.
Fermented foods also contain live probiotic cultures. Raw goat milk, kombucha, vegetables, and tempeh are all excellent sources for humans and some can be for dogs too. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially in the case of probiotics or supplements.
Buying dog probiotics for stomach irritation can seem easy – most brands come with instructions and a dosage calculator. Most dogs can tolerate the dosages with no adverse effects. Regardless of your dog’s age and weight, you should buy one that works well for your dog. Besides, you’ll be doing your dog a favor by providing them with some probiotics to help them fight against digestion issues. You’ll be happy you did.
Some of the Top-Rated Dog Probiotic Brands
Types of Probiotics
The Different Types of Probiotics for Dogs:
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Enterococcus faecium
- Bifidobacterium lacti
Choose a type of bacteria that is resistant to the stomach’s acids, so it can be better to give your dog a daily dose of it when you notice signs of anxiety or diarrhea. If you aren’t sure which to use, consult your veterinarian for more information.
Digestion Supplements
You can also purchase supplements for your dog, to help with digestion issues. These supplements can be beneficial for treating several types of digestive issues. However, they must be used under the advice of your veterinarian before you start giving them to your pet.
These supplements will likely need to be given to your dog on a daily basis for at least one month before seeing any significant results. By increasing the amount of probiotics in your dog’s diet, you’ll help your dog’s digestive system function properly.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Probiotics can be a great way to help your dog’s digestion and live a happier, healthier life. At the very least, many of us dog owners know how difficult it can be to clean up dog poop when they have upset stomachs. However, as always, be sure to consult your veterinarian to ensure that you are getting the right probiotics and administering them correctly.
Spend Time with your Dog at Work
We spend a lot of time and money to ensure that our fuzzy friends are happy and healthy, so why not work with them as well. It’s good for their wellbeing and our’s as well.
Connected Canine makes it easy for businesses to create a dog-friendly environment.
Get in touch with our team to find out more or ask your boss about creating a dog friendly environment and be sure to mention us.
