Caring for a dog’s health is a big responsibility, and it involves a lot more than just giving them food and water. Pet owners need to make sure that their dogs are eating a balanced, nutritious diet, getting enough exercise, and regularly visiting the vet.
Nowadays, many people take probiotics to improve their digestive tract, and dog owners are looking into probiotics for their pets as well. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Can dogs have too many probiotics?
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of probiotics for dogs, talk about how often they should be given, and look into what happens if a dog consumes too many. We’ll also review some of the best canine probiotics, so don’t go anywhere!
Why Should You Give Your Dog Probiotics?
Probiotic strains are often referred to as “good bacteria.” These are beneficial microorganisms that can play a major role in your dog’s health. Just like in humans, a healthy gut can improve a dog’s digestion, improve their immune system, and may even affect their behavior.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons why you should include probiotics in your dog’s diet:
Supporting a Healthy Digestive System
A well-functioning digestive system is very important for your dog’s health. Probiotic bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which supports smoother digestion and better absorption of essential nutrients.
They help a lot with breaking down food and ensure that your dog’s gut isn’t overwhelmed by harmful bacteria. By maintaining this balance, probiotics can help prevent digestive issues — like diarrhea (loose stools), constipation, and bloating.
Improving the Immune System
Did you know that a large part of your dog’s immune system is in their gut? A balanced gut bacteria environment can lead to a stronger immune system. Probiotics help by encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria.
Beneficial bacteria can help fight off infections and reduce the risk of certain illnesses. As you can probably imagine, this is especially helpful for puppies and senior dogs. Any dog can benefit from eating a diet that’s rich in probiotics, though, no matter what their age is.
Improving Skin and Coat Health
A dog’s coat can be a pretty good indicator of their internal health. If their gut is out of balance, it can sometimes lead to skin problems (like itching, rashes, or a dull coat). High-quality probiotics help by creating a healthier gut environment — which may lead to healthier skin and a shinier, softer coat.
Potential Behavioral and Mental Health Benefits
The idea that gut health can affect dog behavior is still being studied, but there’s evidence to suggest that a healthy gut might lead to a happier, calmer dog — not that surprising, really! We tend to feel happier if we’re not having stomach issues, and dogs are the same way.
The connection between the gut and brain (known as the gut-brain axis) is a field of interest for both human and animal health. Some studies have shown that maintaining a balanced gut flora can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, therefore leading to fewer behavioral problems.
The Best Probiotics for Dogs
If you’ve decided to try giving your dog probiotics, you might be wondering which product to choose. There are plenty of options out there, but let’s take a look at some of the best probiotic supplements that Under the Weather has to offer below:
Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement for Dogs
This probiotic is a quick, effective solution for dogs who are experiencing digestive upset (which could happen for a number of reasons). Maybe your dog is stressed out from traveling, recovering from surgery, or dealing with some sort of illness (to give you a few examples). If their digestion seems to be out of whack, this vet-formulated gel could help.
It contains six strains of live bacteria and comes in a convenient tube that’s thankfully super easy to administer. Plus, it’s made without artificial flavors or dyes, so you can feel good about what you’re giving your fur baby. This supplement is perfectly safe, but you can always ask your vet for advice if you’re not sure.
Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These probiotic soft chews for dogs are designed for everyday use. With one billion colony-forming units (CFU) of live bacteria, they help maintain a balanced gut flora and will support your dog’s delicate immune system. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with frequent digestive issues may find these chews especially beneficial.
These chews by Under the Weather are manufactured in Vermont, and they do not contain any corn or artificial flavors. We’d recommend giving these chews to your dog daily to help improve their digestive health, but again, you can always consult with your vet first to be sure that it’s the right choice.
Should You Give Your Dog Probiotics Every Day?
This is a super common question among dog owners, and admittedly, the answer isn’t very straightforward. Whether or not you should give your dog probiotics every day depends on a few different factors, like your dog’s breed and age. Let’s talk about it in more detail below:
Considering Age, Breed, and Health Status
Obviously, different dogs have different needs. Puppies, adults, and senior dogs all require different levels of nutrients, and this applies to probiotics too. For example, puppies may benefit from probiotics as they develop their digestive systems, while older dogs might need them to improve their weakening immune systems.
It’s also worth mentioning that some dog breeds are more prone to digestive problems and may benefit from taking probiotics regularly. Once again, if you’re not sure about what your dog needs, you should ask your vet before starting them on a daily probiotic routine. You may discover that weekly or biweekly probiotic supplementation is more beneficial.
Can Dogs Have Too Many Probiotics?
Although probiotics are generally quite safe for dogs, giving them too many probiotics can sometimes cause issues. For example, overusing probiotics might disrupt your dog’s gut bacteria balance instead of supporting it.
This can lead to problems like diarrhea or bloating. So, while probiotics can be beneficial, more isn’t always better. It really just depends on your dog’s specific needs. This may be a process of trial and error, so just be patient with your pup while figuring out what works best for them.
Possible Side Effects of Probiotics for Dogs
Most dogs will tolerate probiotics pretty well, but there can be side effects, especially if your dog has just started taking them or if they consume too much. Here are a few common side effects of probiotics for dogs:
Diarrhea or Constipation
When a dog first starts taking probiotics, they might experience some adverse effects, like temporary digestive upset. This should pass, but if it doesn’t, check with your vet.
Change in Appetite
Introducing probiotics might temporarily affect your dog’s appetite. Keep an eye on it, and if it doesn’t improve, consult your vet.
Gas and Bloating
Adding new bacteria to your dog’s gut can lead to increased gas and bloating at first. This adverse reaction is usually temporary, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your dog and make sure they’re comfortable.
Allergic Reactions
While rare, some dogs might have allergic reactions to ingredients in probiotic supplements. Symptoms might include skin issues, itching, swelling, or even trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, stop giving them the supplement and seek veterinary help.
Can You Give Your Dog Human Probiotics?
It’s not a good idea to give your dog human probiotics. The bacteria in human probiotics are designed to support the human digestive system, not the canine one. Dogs and humans have different gut bacteria, and using the wrong kind can lead to problems (like severe diarrhea). It’s best to stick to probiotic products that are specifically formulated for dogs.
Can a Dog Overdose on Probiotics?
Even though it’s rare, dogs can technically consume too many probiotics. If your dog somehow gets into a bag of probiotic chews and eats more than they should, they might experience symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Under most circumstances, their digestive system will eventually return to normal without any serious problems. However, if your dog shows severe or prolonged symptoms after consuming too many probiotics, you should take them to the vet right away.
Conclusion
Probiotics can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. They help with digestion, immune support, skin health, and even behavior in some cases. However, you should always make sure that you’re giving your dog the right amount of probiotics.
Before starting your dog on a daily probiotic routine, you should take their age, breed, and whether or not they have any health problems into consideration. Remember, too, that while probiotics can be beneficial, giving too much can sometimes lead to digestive issues in dogs.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your pet healthy and happy, feel free to check out our blog. We also have plenty of great probiotic supplements and bland diet dog food options to choose from.
