Signs Your Dog Needs Probiotics: 10 Indications

Even your dog can have a day off! You may notice low energy levels, odd behaviour, or digestive issues and this might be something dog probiotics can help with. Over the years, probiotics for dogs have grown in popularity for a reason. Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host by balancing the gut microbiome. 

They encourage good gut health by helping maintain the healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms in your pet's gut, supporting your dog's gut health for overall well-being. The primary benefits of probiotics for dogs include improved digestion, enhanced immune function and better nutrient absorption.  Additionally, the overall benefits of probiotics make them a great choice for nearly any canine. Read on to discover how probiotics for dogs can support your pet’s gut by introducing beneficial microorganisms to the digestive system and start working on your dog’s health today.

1 - Dog diarrhoea

If your dog has issues with diarrhoea, it could be an outward sign that something is wrong in the digestive tract. Stress or health-related issues can lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate and cause symptoms like cramping, gas and diarrhoea. According to studies, sudden dietary changes or stress are common triggers for digestive upset in pets.  Probiotics have been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhoea from 7 to 4 days. This is one of the key signs your dog needs probiotics and irregular bowel movements can also indicate your dog may benefit from them.

2 - Stomach noise and bad gas

If you hear stomach noise in your pet’s gut, more specifically, excessive gas caused by poor digestion and imbalanced gut microbes, it’s time for probiotic supplements. While this isn’t something that happens too often, your pet will require gut support if noises are consistent. Excessive flatulence often occurs when undigested food ferments in the colon due to a lack of beneficial bacteria. 

Room-clearing toots are a very unpleasant sign that something is wrong with your dog’s digestion. Excessive gas is often a result of poor digestion and an imbalance of gut microbes. Many pet parents find a high-quality probiotic for dog health to be an excellent solution. So, are probiotics good for dogs? Absolutely!

3 - Irregular potty schedule

This includes constipation and on-and-off stools. Probiotics help regulate digestion, which can relieve constipation and promote regularity. Adjusting your pet’s diet, such as adding plenty of fibre, can also support a balanced digestive system, but symptoms like diarrhoea and inconsistent poops could be linked to an imbalanced gut microbiome. What do probiotics do for dogs in this case? They help maintain a balanced digestive system by regulating digestion and supporting regular bowel movements.

4 - Allergies

Food allergies are the main concern for dogs. While there is no cure for this condition, probiotics can help significantly and minimise allergy-related symptoms by boosting a dog’s immune system. Common allergy symptoms include itchy skin, rashes, dry skin and swelling around the eyes and lips. Research suggests that the best probiotics for dogs can help modulate the immune response, potentially reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis. 

Dogs tend to be allergic to fleas as well, though they are typically more identifiable because they are visible to the eye. If you don’t notice any parasites, your pet is likely to have a food allergy. Probiotics can help dogs with allergies by regulating their immune response and reducing inflammation in the gut. They can break down food more efficiently, reducing the risk of food allergies. Additionally, probiotics can improve skin health by reducing inflammation and supporting the gut-skin axis, which may help alleviate itchy skin and other skin-related allergy symptoms.

5 - Losing weight

Assuming your vet has ruled out underlying conditions, a dog losing weight rapidly isn't g

Assuming your vet has ruled out underlying conditions, a dog losing weight rapidly isn’t getting the necessary nutrients out of their food due to poor nutrient absorption. Again, we can link this to an imbalanced microbiome. A healthy microbiome produces digestive enzymes like lipase, protease and a minimal amount of amylase. These proteins have one task, to break down large molecules into smaller ones and help canines digest food.

That’s why quality probiotics for dogs will pair well with digestive enzymes. Not only will this combination balance the microbiome and improve nutrient absorption, but it also increases the levels of digestive enzymes like cellulase and amylase. Probiotics also produce short-chain fatty acids, which help fight harmful bacteria and support gut health. These benefits help your dog maintain a healthy weight by ensuring they get the most nutrition from their food and supporting overall digestive health.

6 - Dry food

Some dog foods are specially formulated with added probiotics to support digestive health. If your dog eats kibble, they require probiotics and all those digestive enzymes for dogs. Kibble-based food is packed with carbs or sugars, which can be an issue for many pets. Dogs are carnivores and aren’t made to eat food with this many carbs.

When considering your dog's diet, it's important to choose the right digestive health probiotics to help balance their gut microbiome and improve digestion. Since canines have less salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down carbs, they need a daily dose of probiotics. This helps dogs break down carbs and actually use that food effectively.

7 - Yeast infection

It’s completely normal for dogs to have some yeast in their gut. But if there is an overgrowth of yeast, it can cause your pet to experience different types of gastrointestinal symptoms. Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is key to preventing yeast overgrowth. Dogs often experience a yeast infection in their ears but it all starts in the gut and spreads to the rest of the body.

That’s why it’s important to flood their gut with good bacteria, which will restrain yeast growth, restore a healthy balance to the microbiome, and support healthy gut bacteria. Petz Park Probiotics contain specific strains designed to crowd out pathogenic yeast and restore intestinal harmony.  This not only helps with yeast and digestive issues but can also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

8 - Anxiety

When your dog's gut is healthy and balanced, it not only supports their overall health but is also linked to a better mood and improved behaviour. Supporting gut health can help reduce dog anxiety and promote emotional stability in your pet.  According to recent research, an out-of-balance microbiome in the dog's digestive system can cause dogs to express behaviour issues, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain connection. This is another reason why probiotics for dogs benefit their overall health and well-being.

9 - Immune support

85% of the immune system resides in the gut, and when your pet’s gut microbiome is balanced, probiotics help support your dog's immune system and overall health. Adding probiotics doesn’t only improve gut health but also strengthens immune health.

Improved immune health can help prevent issues like frequent ear infections, which are often a sign of immune imbalance. Your dog’s immune system won’t waste energy keeping bad bacteria at bay and will focus on more important tasks. A dog’s stomach is an acid pit and if you don’t give your pet enough probiotics, they won’t reach the lower gastrointestinal tract, where it really matters.

10 - Longer life

Supporting your dog's health throughout life is essential, and a diet combined with a synbiotic (mixture of probiotics and prebiotics) could contribute to a longer and healthier life. Diet changes can disrupt your dog's gut balance, but adding probiotics can help maintain digestive health and ease the transition. Whether you are dealing with an occasional loose stool or want to support your pet’s overall well-being, introducing probiotics gradually into their daily routine can make a difference.

What are dog probiotics?

Dog probiotics are dietary supplements containing live beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, that support a healthy digestive system.  They introduce beneficial probiotic strains into the digestive tract, where they help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. These beneficial microorganisms play a vital role in promoting digestive health, boosting the immune system, and improving overall wellness in dogs. Different probiotic strains offer unique benefits for digestive health, immune regulation, and even allergy symptom reduction.

Probiotics can help alleviate symptoms associated with digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, gas and bloating and help manage certain skin conditions and allergies.

Probiotics for dogs – how to choose the right one?

Choosing the right probiotic is essential for supporting your dog's digestive health and overall well-being. Here are some things to consider when making the final selection:

• Strains: Look for probiotics that contain a combination of beneficial bacteria strains, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Boulardii
  .
• Dosage: Make sure the probiotic you choose provides a high number of colonies forming units (CFUs) per serving to ensure that your dog is getting a therapeutic dose.

• Delivery method: Probiotics can be found in various forms, including powders, chews and liquids. Consider your dog's preferences and choose the delivery method that they are most likely to accept. We suggest getting a powder supplement because you can easily mix it with your dog’s kibble. 

• Probiotic formulated specifically for dogs: Always select a probiotic formulated specifically for dogs, as human probiotics may not contain the right strains or ingredients tailored for your pet’s digestive system.

• Consult with a veterinarian: If your dog has a specific health condition, it's best to consult a veterinarian before starting a probiotic.

Remember, not all probiotics are created equal, so it’s important to choose a high-quality product specifically formulated for dogs to support your dog's digestive health. Additionally, probiotics may take several weeks to show results, so be patient and continue to provide the recommended dose as directed.

Can dogs take human probiotics?

No, dogs should not take human probiotics because their gut microbiome requires different bacterial strains, and human supplements may contain toxic ingredients like xylitol.  Dogs have a different digestive system and gut microbiome than humans, and human probiotics may not be effective or could cause adverse effects.

Dog-specific probiotics are formulated for canine needs, making them a safer and more effective option. There are plenty of dog products to choose from, particularly here in Australia, so there is no need to use human supplements. Severely immunocompromised dogs should only use probiotics under veterinary supervision.

Puppy probiotics – how beneficial are they?

Puppies can benefit from probiotics, just like adult dogs. During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, they are exposed to various bacteria and viruses that can impact their digestive and immune system.

Diet changes, which are common as puppies grow, can disrupt a puppy's gut health and lead to digestive upset. A good probiotic can help establish a healthy gut microbiome, supporting overall health. Probiotics help maintain a puppy's gut health during these transitions and can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. Go for products made in Australia as they offer the highest quality. 

How to use dog probiotics?

Using probiotics for dogs can benefit their digestive health and overall well-being, including supporting regular bowel movements. Here’s a step-by-step guide for introducing probiotics to your dog:

• Follow the instructions: Read the label carefully and follow the recommended dosage instructions for your dog's weight and age. Some probiotics come in different forms, such as powders, chews and liquids and the instructions for each may vary. A powder product may be easier to manage and administer. 

• Introduce gradually: When introducing probiotics, start with a smaller dose and gradually increase to the full recommended amount over the course of a few days. This will help your dog’s body to adjust to the probiotic and avoid any digestive upset.

• Give with food: Probiotics work best when taken with food, so try to give the probiotic to your dog during a meal or snack time.

• Store properly: Keep the probiotic in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain its potency and effectiveness. Make sure they are recently manufactured, preferably in 2023 or in the last two years because their shelf life is short. 

• Continuous use: Most probiotics take several weeks to start showing benefits, be persistent and use a recommended dose.

Probiotics work great when combined with a balanced diet and proper veterinary care. It’s not that common for dogs to experience adverse effects but if that happens, stop using probiotic supplements. Can I give my dog probiotics? Yes, and this guide shows you how.

Does dog food contain enough probiotics?

The percentage of probiotics in commercial dog food can vary depending on the brand. Some dog foods may contain probiotics, but the amount may not be sufficient to provide a therapeutic dose. The high-heat manufacturing process used for many kibbles can often kill off live probiotic cultures before they reach your dog's bowl.  In these cases, supplementing with a dedicated product like Petz Park Probiotics ensures your dog receives the active support they need for a healthy gut.

Not all dog foods are formulated in the same way and some may contain low-quality ingredients that can negatively impact your dog's digestive health. It’s crucial to choose a high-quality dog food that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs and has an optimal amount of probiotics that will benefit your pet’s digestive health. Fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut, can also serve as a natural source of probiotics for dogs, supporting beneficial bacteria in their digestive system.

A healthy and balanced diet combined with high-quality probiotics is the best way to ensure the well-being of your pup. Pay close attention to your dog's needs and learn to recognise the signs that indicate your dog requires probiotic supplements.

Reference

• National Library of Medicine -  The Impact of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplementation on Puppies Manifesting Diarrhoeic Symptoms During the Initial Seven Days of Life