Probiotics can play a significant role in alleviating itchy skin in dogs by promoting a healthy gut, which in turn supports the immune system and skin health. Under the Weather offers several of the best probiotics for dogs with itchy skin designed to enhance your dog’s digestive and overall health. Here are some of their top products.
The Best Probiotics for Dogs with Itchy Skin
Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement for Dogs
Ready Balance Probiotic Gel is a fast-acting supplement formulated to provide relief during times of digestive upset. It contains six strains of live probiotic bacteria along with vitamins and prebiotic inulin, which help restore intestinal balance and support a healthy immune response.
Ingredients:
- Soy oil, coconut oil, sucrose, cornstarch
- Dried lactobacillus acidophilus, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus casei, and lactobacillus plantarum
- Inulin, hydrolyzed yeast, bacillus subtilis, and bacillus licheniformis
- Vitamin B complex (B5, B6, B2, and B12)
Usage: Administer 1 gram per 10 lbs of body weight, twice daily.
This probiotic gel is especially useful during stressful situations like travel, surgery, or antibiotic treatment, helping to firm stools and restore normal digestion and appetite.
Digestive Health Probiotic Powder for Dogs
This all-natural powder supports normal digestion, promotes firm stools, and balances beneficial gut bacteria. It's enhanced with pumpkin and ginger to soothe the stomach and boost overall health.
Ingredients:
- Brewer's yeast, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), natural poultry flavor
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecium
- Pumpkin, ginger, vitamin E
Usage: For dogs under 25 lbs, use 1 scoop daily. For dogs between 25-50 lbs, use 2 scoops daily, and for dogs over 50 lbs, use 3 scoops daily. Each jar contains 120 scoops.
Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These chews are designed to promote healthy digestion and a robust immune system. Each chew contains one billion colony-forming units (CFU) of live bacteria, supporting everyday health and well-being.
Ingredients:
- Brewers dried yeast, chicken liver flavor, vegetable glycerin
- Fructooligosaccharides, sunflower lecithin, arabic gum, canola oil
- Dried bacillus coagulans, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus
- Guar gum, silicon dioxide, and natural preservatives (tocopherols, rosemary extract, green tea extract)
Usage: Dogs under 50 lbs should take 1 chew daily, while dogs over 50 lbs should take 2 chews daily.
Allergy and Itch Chews for Dogs by Under the Weather
Under the Weather’s Allergy and Itch Chews are specially formulated to provide relief from allergy-related skin issues in dogs. These chews combine all-natural ingredients that work together to promote a healthy immune response and reduce symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching and inflammation.
Key Ingredients:
- Krill and Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these ingredients help reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin.
- Flaxseed Meal: Provides additional omega-3s and supports healthy skin and coat.
- Kelp: A natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support overall health.
- Probiotics: Aid in maintaining normal digestion and supporting the immune system.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Promotes healthy skin and coat.
Benefits:
- Reduces Inflammation and Itching: The omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed help to alleviate inflammation and reduce itching, providing your dog with much-needed relief.
- Supports Immune Health: Probiotics and kelp work together to enhance the immune system, making it more effective at responding to allergens.
- Improves Skin and Coat Health: Biotin, along with the anti-inflammatory properties of the other ingredients, helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and a shiny coat.
Usage:
- For dogs under 25 lbs: 1 chew daily
- For dogs between 26-75 lbs: 2 chews daily
- For dogs over 76 lbs: 3 chews daily
Why Dogs Get Itchy Skin
Itchy skin, or pruritus, in dogs, can be caused by various underlying conditions. Here are some common reasons why dogs might experience itchy skin:
- Allergies
Environmental Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to many environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and dander. These allergens can cause atopic dermatitis, leading to symptoms like scratching, licking, and rubbing against surfaces.
Food Allergies: Certain ingredients in dog food, such as beef, chicken, dairy, and grains, can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms of food allergies include itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. A diet trial can help identify the offending ingredient.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Flea bites can cause severe itching in dogs. Even a single flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva, leading to intense itching and discomfort. This often results in excessive scratching, especially around the hind legs, tail base, and rear end.
- Dry Skin
Dry Skin: Environmental factors like low humidity, frequent bathing, or nutritional deficiencies can cause dry, flaky skin in dogs. This condition leads to itching and discomfort. Ensuring proper hydration and using humidifiers can help alleviate dry skin issues.
- Behavioral Issues
Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can also contribute to itching. Dogs may lick or scratch themselves excessively due to anxiety or stress, leading to further skin irritation and potential infections.
How Probiotics Can Help with Itchy Skin
Probiotics can play a significant role in managing and alleviating itchy skin in dogs by addressing several underlying causes:
- Balancing Gut Flora: Probiotics maintain a healthy gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, which supports skin health.
- Enhancing the Immune System: By boosting gut health, probiotics strengthen the immune system, reducing allergic reactions and preventing skin infections.
- Reducing Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties of probiotics decrease skin inflammation, easing conditions like atopic dermatitis.
- Preventing Infections: Probiotics outcompete harmful microbes, managing bacterial and fungal infections.
- Supporting Skin and Coat Health: Probiotics promote the production of essential nutrients, enhancing skin and coat condition.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Dogs with Itchy Skin
Selecting the right probiotic for your dog involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal health benefits. Here's a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Strain DiversityChoosing a probiotic with multiple strains of bacteria can provide broader health benefits. Different strains offer unique advantages, such as improving immune function, reducing anxiety, and supporting digestion. Look for products that include strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Enterococcus faecium, as each plays a specific role in promoting gut health and overall well-being.
- CFU CountColony Forming Units (CFUs) measure the potency of probiotics. Higher CFU counts typically indicate a more effective product. For general maintenance, look for probiotics with 1-10 billion CFUs per dose. For dogs with severe digestive issues, higher counts, such as 20-50 billion CFUs, may be necessary to see significant benefits.
- Added IngredientsProbiotics with added ingredients like prebiotics, vitamins, and natural anti-inflammatory agents can enhance their effectiveness. Prebiotics, such as chicory root or green banana powder, feed the good bacteria and help them thrive. Other beneficial additives include digestive enzymes, which aid in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption.
- FormProbiotics come in various forms, including gels, powders, capsules, and chews. The choice depends on your dog’s preference and ease of administration. Chews and treats are often more palatable and easier to give, while powders and capsules can be mixed with food. Consider what form your dog is most likely to accept consistently.
Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
Improved Digestion: Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut flora, essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. This not only aids digestion but also reduces gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Probiotics produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which inhibit harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, improving overall gut health.
Enhanced Immune System: Approximately 70% of a dog's immune system is located in their gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics support the immune system by balancing gut bacteria and preventing the overgrowth of harmful microbes. This can lead to a stronger defense against infections, diseases, and other health issues.
Allergy Relief: Probiotics can help manage allergies by improving gut health and balancing the immune system. This reduces intestinal permeability and inflammation, which are often linked to allergic reactions. Regular probiotic use can lessen the severity of allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, and discomfort.
Skin and Coat Health: A healthy gut directly impacts skin and coat health. Probiotics can reduce skin inflammation, itching, and redness by supporting a balanced immune response. This leads to a shinier, healthier coat and overall improved skin condition.
Improved Memory as Dogs Age: Emerging research suggests that a balanced gut microbiome can improve cognitive functions in aging dogs. Studies have shown that dogs with a healthy gut bacteria profile have better memory performance, as the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in brain health.
Stress Management: Probiotics can help dogs manage stress by maintaining a balanced gut flora. Stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues. Probiotics support gut health during stressful situations, such as travel or changes in routine, helping to prevent stress-related digestive upsets.
Conclusion
Choosing the best probiotic for dogs with itchy skin can make a significant difference in your dog's health, particularly if they suffer from itchy skin. Under the Weather’s range of probiotic products offers effective solutions tailored to your pet’s needs. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.
Explore our range of probiotics and other health solutions at Under the Weather and take the first step towards a healthier, happier pet today. Help your pet here!
