Probiotics for Dogs: Why You Should Consider Them

September 18, 2024

Probiotics for dogs are live microorganisms, typically beneficial bacteria, that support gut health by maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal flora.

Similar to their function in humans, a dog's gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall well-being, affecting digestion, immunity, and even mood.

When the gut's natural balance is disrupted by factors like stress, illness, or antibiotics, it can lead to digestive issues and weakened immunity.

Probiotics help restore this balance by promoting efficient digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption, and boosting the immune system, making them an important part of your dog’s health care.

What Are Probiotics for Dogs?

Probiotics for dogs are live microorganisms that promote a healthy balance of gut flora.

These probiotics primarily consist of various strains of bacteria and sometimes yeast that work synergistically to maintain and restore the natural balance of the digestive system.

Below are the most common types of beneficial bacteria and yeast in probiotics for dogs.

Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain is known for aiding digestion and enhancing immune response.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: This strain has been shown to support immune function.
Bifidobacterium longum: This strain is effective in managing anxiety and stress-related gastrointestinal issues.
Bifidobacterium animalis: This strain helps reduce diarrhoea and improve stool quality.
Enterococcus faecium: This strain can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
Bacillus coagulans: This robust strain is known for its ability to survive harsh stomach acid and reach the intestines, where it can exert its beneficial effects.
Saccharomyces boulardii: This type of yeast is effective in treating acute diarrhoea and preventing antibiotic-associated digestive issues. Unlike bacteria, this yeast is resistant to antibiotics, making it important during and after antibiotic treatment.

Probiotics work by improving the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microorganisms.

These probiotics adhere to the intestinal lining, competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and attachment sites, preventing harmful bacteria from colonising the gut.

They also produce short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the intestine, improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation. Probiotics also regulate the immune system, helping to protect against infections and allergies.

Common Sources of Probiotics for Dogs

Dogs can receive probiotics through several methods, each offering different benefits.

Commercial Probiotic Supplements: These are specifically formulated for dogs and often come in powder, capsule, or chewable form. These supplements contain specific strains of beneficial bacteria tailored to canine health needs, ensuring the right balance and dosage.
Yoghurt and Kefir: Plain, unsweetened yoghurt and kefir are natural dietary sources of probiotics. These fermented dairy products contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. However, not all dogs tolerate dairy well, so these should be introduced gradually.
Probiotic-Enhanced Dog Foods: Some dog foods are formulated with added probiotics. These are convenient because they integrate probiotics into your dog’s daily diet, ensuring consistent intake. Always check for high-quality, heat-resistant strains, as the manufacturing process can destroy some probiotics.
Dog-Friendly Fermented Foods: Certain fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, if prepared without harmful additives, can also provide probiotics. However, these should be given in moderation and under veterinary guidance.
Raw Goat Milk: This is often easier for dogs to digest than cow's milk and can be added to their diet to promote gut health.

Signs That Your Dog Needs Probiotics

There are several signs that may indicate that your dog could benefit from probiotics. They include the following.

Digestive Problems: An imbalance in the gut microbiome may cause persistent digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, excessive gas, or bloating. Probiotics can help restore this balance, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Recurrent Infections: Dogs that frequently experience infections, particularly ear or urinary tract infections, may have an underlying issue with their immune system. Since a big part of a dog’s immune system is housed in the gut, probiotics can help strengthen immunity by improving gut health.
Skin Conditions and Allergies: Chronic skin problems, itching, or recurring allergic reactions can be linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Probiotics can support a healthy immune response, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of these issues.
Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. If your dog has recently undergone antibiotic treatment, probiotics can help replenish the good bacteria, preventing digestive upset and other complications.
Stress-Related Symptoms: Stress can negatively impact a dog’s gut health, leading to symptoms like loose stools or loss of appetite. Probiotics can help reduce these effects by supporting a balanced gut microbiome.
Bad Breath and Poor Appetite: Chronic bad breath and a noticeable decline in appetite may signal underlying gut health issues. Probiotics can help by improving digestion and overall gut function.

Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs

Probiotics offer a wide range of health benefits to dogs and contribute to their overall well-being by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Below are some of the key benefits.

Improved Digestive Health: Probiotics support a balanced gut microbiome, leading to efficient digestion. They help break down food, absorb nutrients, and maintain regular bowel movements. Probiotics can ease digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, and gas, promoting a healthy digestive system.
Enhanced Immune Function: A big part of a dog’s immune system is located within the gut. By maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, probiotics boost immune function, making dogs less susceptible to infections — including urinary tract infections, ear infections, and respiratory conditions.
Skin and Coat Health: Probiotics can help manage and reduce symptoms of skin conditions and allergies. By improving gut health, probiotics support the immune system, which can lead to a healthier skin barrier and less inflammation, resulting in a shinier coat and reduced itching or irritation.
Reduction in Allergies: Some studies suggest that probiotics can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions by regulating the immune system. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs prone to environmental or food allergies.
Stress and Anxiety Management: Probiotics can influence the gut-brain axis, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety-related symptoms. A balanced gut microbiome can lead to better emotional regulation, reducing symptoms like diarrhoea or loss of appetite associated with stress.
Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea: After a course of antibiotics, probiotics help replenish the good bacteria in the gut, preventing diarrhoea and other digestive issues that antibiotics can cause by disrupting the natural microbial balance.

Potential Side Effects of Probiotics

Probiotics offer many benefits, but some dogs may experience potential side effects, especially when they are initially introduced.

These side effects are usually mild and temporary as the dog’s digestive system adjusts to the new influx of beneficial bacteria.

Bloating and Gas: One of the most common side effects a dog can experience when starting probiotics is increased bloating or gas. This occurs as the gut microbiome adjusts and the probiotics begin to alter the bacterial balance. In most cases, these symptoms resolve within a few days.
Digestive Upset: Some dogs may experience mild digestive issues like diarrhoea or constipation as their system adapts to the probiotics. This is usually temporary and should improve as their body adjusts.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some dogs might have an allergic reaction to certain probiotic strains or ingredients in the supplement, resulting in symptoms like itching, hives, or digestive upset. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and immediately consult your veterinarian.
Changes in Appetite: A temporary decrease or increase in appetite can occur as the gut adjusts to probiotics.

You can prevent these by monitoring your dog’s response.

Start with a lower dose of probiotics and gradually increase it, observing your dog for any adverse reactions. Watch for changes in stool consistency, energy levels, and overall behaviour.

If side effects persist or worsen, consult your veterinarian to adjust the dosage or consider alternative options.

How to Choose the Right Probiotic for Your Dog

Choosing the best probiotic for your dog involves considering several factors to ensure the supplement is both effective and safe.

Strain Specificity: Look for probiotics that contain specific strains known to benefit dogs, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Enterococcus faecium. Different strains have different effects, so choosing the right ones is important for targeting your dog’s specific health needs.
Colony-Forming Units (CFU): The potency of a probiotic is measured in CFUs, which indicates the number of live microorganisms in each serving. For dogs, a supplement with at least 1 billion CFUs per serving is generally recommended — although the optimal amount may vary depending on your dog’s size and health condition. Higher CFU counts can be better for more significant gut health issues.
Product Quality: Choose probiotics from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing to ensure product quality, potency, and safety. Look for products that have a clear label indicating the strains included, their CFU count, and any additional ingredients. Avoid products with unnecessary fillers or artificial additives.
Stability and Shelf Life: Probiotics are sensitive to heat and moisture, so buy products that are designed to be stable and maintain their potency until the expiration date. Some probiotics come in spore-forming strains like Bacillus coagulans, which are more resistant to environmental factors.
Formulation and Delivery Method: Consider how the probiotic is administered. Powders, capsules, and chews are common forms, so choose one that is easy for your dog to take.
Consult Your Veterinarian: Before introducing a new supplement, discuss it with your veterinarian. They can help you choose the best probiotic based on your dog’s health status, existing conditions, and specific needs, ensuring a safe and effective approach to improving your dog’s gut health.

How to Use Probiotics

Administering probiotics to your dog is pretty straightforward — but below are a few more practical tips to ensure effectiveness and ease.

Timing: It is typically best to give probiotics during or after meals. This helps protect the live microorganisms as they pass through the stomach, allowing more to reach the intestines where they exert their benefits.
Mixing with Food: If your dog is a picky eater or resistant to pills, mixing the probiotic with food is a great option. Powdered forms can be easily sprinkled over wet or dry food, while capsules can be opened and mixed in. Ensure the food is not too hot, since too much heat can kill the beneficial bacteria.
Daily vs. As Needed: Probiotics can be given daily for ongoing support, especially if your dog has chronic digestive issues or is prone to stress or allergies. For specific issues like post-antibiotic treatment or temporary digestive upset, probiotics can be given as needed until the condition improves.
Duration of Supplementation: The duration depends on your dog’s needs. For chronic conditions, long-term supplementation may be beneficial. For acute issues, a few weeks of probiotics might be enough. Always monitor your dog’s response and consult your veterinarian to determine the right duration.
Consistency: Consistency is important for probiotics to be effective. Administer them at the same time each day to help maintain a steady level of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following section offers a few additional questions to help you better understand probiotics for dogs.

What Human Probiotics Can You Give Dogs?

None. Human probiotics will not harm your dog, but they will not give your dog all the benefits of a dog probiotic.

Is Yakult Good for Dogs?

Yes, Yakult is good for dogs as long as they can tolerate lactose. Keep in mind that Yakult has high levels of sugar, so give it in moderation if your dog is diabetic.

Key Takeaways on Probiotics for Dogs

Probiotics are important in maintaining and enhancing your dog’s overall health by supporting a balanced gut microbiome.

They are a safe, natural way to improve your dog's health — whether it is used for immune system support, digestive problems, allergies, or stress management.

You can further ensure your dog gets the full benefits by choosing the right probiotic, administering it consistently, and consulting with a veterinarian for any questions or concerns.