Probiotics are well known in the realm of human medicine. We eat them all the time, whether we know it or not – they are present in yogurt, cheese, and pickles. Probiotics for your dog may not be something you had considered, but there may be benefits. While healthy dogs do not require a daily probiotic, the benefits of supplementing them in certain circumstances can be great.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, probiotics should be used when there is a need to generate “a desirable intestinal microbial balance”.
Just as in humans, when dogs experience stressors, they can experience an imbalance in their intestinal health. Examples of things that can cause your pup stress include travel, disease, poor nutrition, antibiotics, parasites, and old age. When dogs experience stress this can lead to gut-related issues like upset stomachs, excess gas, and diarrhea.
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics work by increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut, thereby reducing the quantity of bad bacteria that can accumulate there. The gut houses around 70% of the cells that make up the immune system. Using probiotics to improve your dog’s gut health can, therefore, boost the immune system as well. In a study done by Marcella D. Ridgway, VMD, MS, DACVIM, probiotics can reduce inflammatory bowel disease, “improve growth rates and vaccine responses in puppies”, and lower cholesterol levels.
As previously mentioned, yogurt is a good source of probiotics for both humans and dogs. Probiotics can also come in powders, capsules, chews, and supplemented dog foods. Dried probiotics that come in single-portion packaging are the best way to ensure efficacy. Exposure to air, moisture, and temperature extremes can cause the organisms in the probiotic to die off or lose potency, so careful handling and storage of the product are critical.
How to Choose Probiotics
The most common organisms found in probiotics are bacteria such as lactobacilli, streptococci, and certain yeasts. Different organisms can be used to treat different health concerns, and your veterinarian can provide essential guidance on what products they think will be most helpful for your dog.
The key to choosing what products to give your dog is to make sure it is certified by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Purchasing a dog-specific probiotic is also crucial. While human probiotics should not cause any negative side effects, they are usually not as effective for dogs. Finally, check to make sure the product is not expired and the number of live organisms guaranteed to be in the product by the end of the shelf life. Even if a guaranteed number of organisms at the point of manufacture is listed, you want to ensure that organisms will be abundant in the probiotic by the time your dog is consuming it.
Dogs do not have to receive probiotics every day to experience their benefits. Probiotics can be given as preventative when you know that your dog will be put in a stressful environment. It can be worthwhile to supplement with probiotics for a few days leading up to travel or boarding if your dog is prone to getting gut issues during those times.
Negative side effects are not common in probiotic use, but improperly stored or incorrectly labeled products could lead to ineffective treatment. It is important to talk with your dog’s veterinarian before making any changes to their diet so you can be sure your dog is getting the best care possible.
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we are committed to your dog’s overall health and safety. If you are looking for a Sarasota or Bradenton area dog trainer, we welcome a visit to our facility.
