Just like humans, dogs can benefit from good bacteria. There are many different types of probiotics that all do something a little bit different for your pup. Which type of probiotic your dog needs depends on his health status and why you are giving the probiotic in the first place.
What Is a Probiotic?
Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria that line the digestive tract and help your pup break down food.
What Can Probiotics Help With?
Most probiotics are going to be helpful for dogs with stomach problems. For example, a dog with diarrhea will benefit from probiotics as they help bring the stomach back to where it should be.
Other Conditions That Can Benefit
Some other conditions that can benefit from probiotics include:
Allergies
Allergies are very common in dogs, and probiotics can help with them by reinforcing the immune system.
Diabetes
If your dog has diabetes, probiotics can help regulate blood glucose levels.
Heart Disease
Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the heart.
Cancer
Studies have shown that probiotics can help slow down cancer cells by strengthening the immune system.
Leaky gut syndrome
As its name implies, this condition is when the digestive system gets “leaky” and certain nutrients aren’t able to be absorbed. Probiotics help the digestive system absorb necessary nutrients.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic skin disease can benefit from probiotics because they produce antimicrobial substances that help fight off bad bacteria.
Urinary Tract Infections
Canine urinary tract infections can be very dangerous, and probiotics help keep the bad bacteria from sticking to your pup’s bladder.
How To Choose The Best Dog Probiotics?
Now that you know the benefits of probiotics, how do you choose the right one for your dog?
First, we suggest you consult with your veterinarian.
Your vet can help determine what kind of probiotics your dog needs and which supplements work best.
Secondly, we suggest you read reviews and check labels.
The label should give you a list of ingredients and tell you how many organisms are in each capsule.
Lastly, we suggest you read more on the topic of probiotics and their benefits to find which type is right for your dog.
Can Probiotics Be Harmful?
As with anything you give your dog, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some possible side effects.
Side effects from probiotics are very rare, but they have been known to happen.
For example, a dog with a sensitive stomach may react with diarrhea.
You have to carefully choose the best dog probiotics for your dog’s needs and then read all the labels and instructions before giving them to your pup.
As you can see, probiotics provide a wide range of health benefits for dogs in all different stages of life. Probiotics are especially beneficial for dogs with stomach problems, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and skin conditions. But before you run to the store to buy your pup some probiotics, be sure to consult with your veterinarian about which type would be best for him.
