Signs Your Dog Needs Probiotics

5 Signs Your Dog Needs Probiotics

Updated 03/06/2024 by Ava Jaine

If your dog has been feeling a bit under the weather lately, consider adding some probiotics to their diet to help them feel better.

Dog stomach problems can indicate an overflow of bad bacteria growth in their gut, and it can cause more issues than you think.

Here are 5 signs your dog needs probiotics.

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What Do Probiotics Do For Dogs?

Probiotics are the “good bacteria” needed to support your dog’s gut microbiome and immune system by keeping the “bad bacteria” at bay.

Cute welsh springer spaniel relaxing at home
 

5 Signs Your Dog Needs Probiotics

Itchy Allergies

Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can help reduce the likelihood of allergies and prevent itchy skin issues from developing.
 
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies year after year, give them some dog probiotics just before the allergy season begins.

Recurring Ear Infections

If your dog is prone to yeast infections in their ears, probiotics can help. Probiotics play an essential role in yeast infection prevention and treatment.
Women's hands inspecting a dog's ears for a yeast infection
 

Diarrhea

If your dog’s stool is looking a bit loose, probiotics can also help with this. Whether your pup has been experiencing extra stress lately, eating something they shouldn’t have, or recently changed their kibble a little too fast, probiotics can help ease their tummy issues.
 
Note: Make sure to still get your dog’s poo tested at the vet for a quick parasite and worm check. Diarrhea can indicate different issues.

Antibiotic Side Effects

If your dog has been taking any antibiotics, make sure to pair it up with some dog probiotics to help fight off the bad bacteria building up in their gut.
small dog looking out the window. Anxiously waiting for their owner to return home
 

Probiotics for Anxiety

Now this one is pretty interesting. Research has found that the bacteria living in your dog’s gut can actually affect their behavior.

Stress can build up the bad bacteria in your dog’s gut, which puts them at more risk for an anxiety disorder. 

So, if your dog tends to be a Nervous Nelly when you leave them at home, probiotics can help.

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Bonus Tip: Chemotherapy Side Effects

If your dog is undergoing chemotherapy, they may have side effects that include: yeast infections, leaky gut issues, and diarrhea.
 
Probiotics are not a cure for cancer, but they can help boost your dog’s immune system and strengthen the formation of T-cells.
 
Adding probiotic supplements to your dog’s cancer treatment plan supports a healthy gut and improves the absorption of nutrients.

What Type of Probiotic is Best for Dogs?

Sometimes dogs don’t produce enough good bacteria (probiotics) naturally, so they need a supplement to keep their gut healthy.

What are the best dog probiotics?  You have a couple of choices.  All natural dog probiotics can be found in certain foods, probiotics can be prescribed from the vet, or you can purchase dog probiotics online or at the pet store.

Natural Probiotics

All natural probiotics for dogs are a great way to improve your pup’s gut health. Here are some foods that contain probiotics.

  • Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt

  • Kefir

 

Vet Prescribed Probiotics

My dogs have been using the Proviable probiotics prescribed by their vet for many years. 

I break open the capsule and add the white powdered probiotic on top of their kibble in the evening for the dinner.

Pet Store Probiotics

Before purchasing probiotics online for your dog, keep the following in mind.

  • Includes Various Live and Active Cultures

  • States the Number of CFU’s (potency)

  • Uses Natural Ingredients

  • Real Reviews From Customers

Happy golden retriever dog sitting next to their owner
 

Are Human Probiotics Safe for Dogs?

Stick with probiotics that are specially formulated for dogs.  There are many different opinions on this.

I personally rotate between the Proviable probiotics prescribed by my vet and the VertiScience Probiotic on Amazon. The cost can add up with the vet-prescribed probiotics, so I mix it up a bit for my 3 dogs.

Be patient, probiotics do take time to work. Giving your dog high-quality probiotics on a regular basis can help improve your dog’s general health and overall well-being.

Note: If your dog is currently on any medications, discuss adding probiotics to your dog’s diet with your vet.

Does your Dog take any probiotics? Tell us about it in the comments.

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