The healthy microbes in your dog’s digestive system have many important jobs to do, including absorbing and making nutrients and preventing illness by supporting the immune system. Stress, dietary changes or antibiotic use can disrupt that important microbial balance and lead to health problems including digestive upsets. This is where probiotics come in to help. Keep reading to find out more about probiotics, discover when they’re usually used and learn what are some of the best probiotics for dogs.
What are probiotics for dogs?
There are billions of ‘healthy’ microbes in your dog’s gut and these have important functions in food digestion, vitamin production and keeping the immune system strong. But sometimes the balance of microbes gets disrupted, and harmful bacteria proliferate at the expense of these good microorganisms. Probiotics for dogs are live microorganisms that can restore a healthy balance of gut microflora.
When to give your dog probiotics?
nThe signs of microbial imbalance in dogs include digestive problems such as loose stools (diarrhoea) or flatulence. Microbial imbalance can be caused by many different factors:
– Sudden changes in diet
– Separation anxiety
– Long-term antibiotic use
– Stressful experiences such as moving into a new home
These are some of the most common reasons why pet owners may start considering a course of probiotics for dogs. However, it’s important to consult your vet before adding a supplement of probiotics to your dog’s diet. There are a lot of probiotic preparations out there and not all of them are high-quality and backed up with evidence, but your vet will be able to advise on a good option for your dog.
What are the best probiotics for dogs?
nIf your vet believes probiotics will be beneficial to your dog’s health, there are different options available. Probiotics for dogs come in various formulations:
– Tablets
– Chews
– Food spray
– Powder
It’s important to follow the product instructions as well as your vet’s recommendations when it comes to quantities and how frequently to offer probiotics to your pet.
As with any probiotic, make sure you ask your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet.
Can puppies take probiotics?
Yes, vets will sometimes recommend puppies take specially-formulated probiotics for dogs. These can be incredibly useful for young pups. The life of a puppy is full of new experiences and changes in diet and puppy anxiety can result in loose stools or other digestive problems. It’s important to make diet changes gradually, but sometimes even with the best will in the world digestive problems can result. This is where probiotics can come in handy. Again, make sure you check with your vet before introducing probiotics, as there are many possible reasons for tummy upsets in puppies and it’s important to rule serious issues out if your pup is unwell.
