Probiotics are among the best supplements you can give your dog for a number of reasons. A lot of pet parents wonder, though: what exactly are probiotics, and why do they matter so much? The answer lies in your dog’s digestive tract.
A healthy gut, full of good bacteria, is super important when it comes to maintaining a strong immune system and warding off health issues. Probiotics are great for both people and dogs because they help keep this balance in check.
However, not all probiotics are created equal, and you may not have an understanding yet of which probiotics are best for your small dog. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of probiotics, how to choose the right probiotics for small dogs, and review some of the best probiotic supplements for small dogs.
Let’s get started!
What Are Probiotics for Dogs?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (often called “good bacteria” or “friendly bacteria”) that support a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system. For dogs, these supplements can help improve digestive health and immunity. Some probiotic supplements can even help with bad breath!
Probiotics for dogs work by ensuring that the good bacteria outnumber the bad bacteria in your dog’s gut. It’s also worth mentioning that probiotics are different from prebiotics and postbiotics.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the healthy gut bacteria (and, therefore, help them grow). Postbiotics, on the other hand, are byproducts of probiotics and can still benefit the gut even when the probiotic bacteria are no longer alive.
When Should You Give Probiotics to Your Dog?
While probiotics can be given to dogs who are perfectly healthy, you and your dog might find them especially helpful in certain situations. Here are a few instances where probiotics can make a significant difference:
Stressful Situations
Changes in routine, traveling, or going to the vet can cause stress in dogs. This can sometimes lead to digestive issues, like loose stools and acute diarrhea. Probiotics can help restore the balance in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and prevent stomach upset—even when they’re especially stressed out.
Diet Changes
Switching your dog’s food can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal problems. This is mainly due to the change in routine, but their gut may not agree with the new food you’re giving them, either. Giving them probiotics can ease this transition, but you may want to speak with your vet, too.
Medications
Antibiotics can wipe out beneficial gut bacteria along with harmful bacteria. Pet probiotics help rebuild a healthy gut microbiome during and after antibiotic use. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea after taking antibiotics, natural probiotics can help firm up their stools, too.
Aging
As your fur baby gets older, their gut health may start to decline. It’s generally a good idea to give senior dogs probiotics since they can help support their digestion and immunity as they age. Again, this is something you’ll want to ask a veterinary professional about.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Small Dogs
A healthy gut flora means fewer health problems and a happier dog. Here’s how probiotics can benefit small dogs (and dogs of any size, for that matter):
Better Digestion
Probiotics help with breaking down food. In other words, probiotic supplements may make it easier for your dog to absorb nutrients from their food. They can also reduce issues like gas, irregular stools, and bloating.
Improved Immunity
A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system. Probiotics help your dog fend off infections and may reduce chronic inflammation, too. This is especially important for small dogs, since some diseases are more common in small dog breeds.
Skin and Allergy Relief
Probiotics can also reduce allergy symptoms (like excessive itching) in dogs by balancing the immune system. They may also help alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which is a fairly common skin condition in dogs.
Weight Management
Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to help manage weight, too. This could be especially beneficial for small dogs who are on a high-energy diet. Some small dog breeds (like Pugs) are more prone to obesity, so weight management is really important.
Renal Health
While studies are still ongoing in this area, there is some evidence that probiotics may help support kidney function, especially in older dogs. This is another reason why a lot of pet parents decide to give their senior dogs probiotic supplements.
The Best Probiotic Supplements for Small Dogs
Finding the right probiotic product can be tricky, especially if you have a smaller dog breed. Here are some great options that are designed specifically for small dogs (though, these supplements will work for dogs of all sizes):
Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement for Dogs
This probiotic comes in a gel form, which means it’s super easy to administer. You might find it especially useful in stressful situations (like traveling or after your dog has had surgery). It contains six strains of beneficial bacteria and prebiotic inulin to support healthy digestion and restore your dog’s appetite.
Ingredients: Soy oil, coconut oil, corn starch, dried lactobacillus strains, and vitamins.
Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These tasty chews are perfect for small dogs who might be picky when it comes to taking supplements. With one billion colony-forming units (CFU) of live bacteria, they promote balanced digestion and a healthy immune system.
Ingredients: Brewer’s yeast, chicken liver flavor, vegetable glycerin, and several probiotic strains.
How to Choose the Best Probiotics for Small Dogs
Picking the right probiotic for your small dog can be tricky. At any rate, it involves more than just grabbing the first product you see on the shelf. Here’s what you should consider when shopping for probiotic supplements for small dogs:
Health Needs
Make sure to choose a probiotic that addresses your dog’s specific health concerns. If you’re not sure whether giving your dog probiotic supplements will help, you can always ask your vet. They may also be able to give you recommendations for probiotics.
Check the Strains
Not all probiotic strains are the same, and, admittedly, this is where things can get a bit confusing. You should look for strains that have proven benefits for dogs, such as Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium species.
Potency
Probiotic potency is measured in CFU (Colony Forming Units). Higher CFUs are recommended for serious health issues, while lower doses can be used for general health maintenance in both small and large dogs.
Look for Brands with Veterinary Support
Brands that are backed by vets and involve veterinarians in the formulation process are often more reliable. The probiotic supplements by Under the Weather discussed above fit this criteria.
Consider the Form
Probiotics come in a lot of different forms—powders, liquids, capsules, and chews—you name it. Powders and gels generally offer better stability and dosage accuracy, while chews and capsules can be more convenient.
How Do Probiotics Work for Small Dogs?
Probiotics can help small dogs in a few different ways. For example, studies show that strains like Saccharomyces boulardii can help treat gut issues (like diarrhea). Other studies suggest that probiotics can help manage chronic conditions—such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—by restoring the balance of good bacteria.
Here are some popular probiotic strains and their specific benefits:
- Enterococcus faecium: Often recommended for general gut health and preventing diarrhea in dogs.
- Bacillus subtilis: Known for its ability to survive harsh conditions (which means it’s more effective in supporting gut health).
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain is commonly found in yogurt. It helps with digestion and immune support in dogs.
Additional Benefits of Probiotics
Besides helping to restore gut health and prevent gastrointestinal issues like chronic diarrhea, probiotics come with plenty of other notable health benefits, including:
Reduce Allergies
Probiotics can support the production of T-cells, which help regulate the immune response and reduce allergic reactions. By preventing allergens from entering your dog’s bloodstream, they can minimize skin issues and other allergic symptoms.
Improve Dental Health
Certain strains of probiotics can also help your dog maintain good oral health (mainly by reducing plaque and improving breath).
Strengthen the Immune System
In a study involving dogs of different age groups, those given a probiotic additive showed better immune function than those who weren’t given the probiotic.
Conclusion
Incorporating probiotics into your small dog’s diet could be a great way to keep them healthy. Whether you’re looking to address a specific health issue or simply maintain your dog’s wellness, probiotic supplements can be very helpful. As always, you should ask your vet before starting your dog on any new supplement.
Remember to look for high-quality products that are backed by veterinarians and contain beneficial strains that are known to help with digestion and immunity. Paying attention to the ingredients and dosages, when it comes to probiotic supplements, can make a big difference in your dog’s life.
If you’re looking for probiotics to keep your small dog healthy, there are plenty of great options on the market. Consider investing in a quality probiotic supplement by Under the Weather to help keep your dog’s gut balanced and improve their health and well-being!
