Your Guide to Probiotics for Cats and Dogs
To us humans who love our pets, the best gift we could give to our dogs and cats is a healthy digestive system - and ultimately, a healthy immune system.
Quality probiotic supplements will help you achieve this!
You’re reading this blog, which means you’re clearly someone who cares a lot about the quality of life for your pet - which makes you awesome. We like you already!
Anyway, in the spirit of keeping our favourite pups and kitties happy, thriving and living long, healthy lives, let’s get to the heart of the matter - the many health benefits of probiotics for cats and dog probiotics, too.
The thing is, you probably already know a thing or two about pet probiotics. These days, probiotics are becoming increasingly popular for dogs and cats that you kind of see or hear about it from everywhere - the internet, the vet’s, the chemist’s, other pet parents…
But there’s a reason why probiotics are all over the place - because it simply works! From keeping cat bad breath at bay to helping doggies with tummy issues, probiotics are an ideal, proven supplement to a dog or cat’s daily diet that will make them extra healthy.
However, if you’re new to this or simply unsure how to start introducing probiotics to your pet’s diet, all the information you’re seeing or hearing can become overwhelming.
This is why we’re here to give you a quick, no-fluff guide to probiotics for cats and dogs.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know all about what probiotics are, how they can help keep both cats and dogs healthy and how to find the right one for you.
Probiotics For Dogs vs. Probiotics for Cats: What’s the difference?
A common belief shared by most dog parents is that probiotics are only good for dogs and not for cats. However, if you’re a dedicated cat parent, you may never have heard of probiotics for dogs either. So, for fur parents who have both cats and dogs in their family, they know that probiotics are helpful and beneficial for both furry species.
Let’s dig in and explore how probiotics can be good for both canines and felines.
What are Probiotics?
In the most basic sense, probiotics are "good" bacteria (also called microflora) that live in your pet's gut. If a pet has a healthy amount of good bacteria then it will be much less likely to suffer from diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and other gastrointestinal upsets. Probiotic supplements add to the good bacteria already in your dog’s and cat’s body.
More probiotics means a healthy digestion through increased nutrient absorption and a boosted immune function. Probiotics also help ward off yeast and viruses that can cause infections.
In addition, probiotics produce vitamins like B-complex and K and even fight off bad bacteria.
Probiotics for dogs and cats are especially effective when used in conjunction with a balanced diet that meets all your pet's nutritional needs.
You can get probiotics from pet supplements that contain certain kinds of bacteria or yeast.
💡 The term "probiotic" comes from the Greek words "pro" (for) and "biotic" (life), meaning "for life."
Cat Probiotics vs. Dog Probiotics
Both dogs and cats benefit from probiotics in almost the same exact ways but since both animals have different physiological needs, probiotics for cats and probiotics for dogs vary. The packaging may look similar, however, its formulations differ.
- Probiotics can be taken daily. It’s best to consult with your vet for the correct information depending on your pet’s size, age, breed or needs.
- Note that cats don't have a large amount of the "good" bacteria. Cat probiotics are primarily used for gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They can also be used for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis and chronic enteritis.
- Dog probiotics are primarily used for preventing diarrhoea in dogs. These probiotics can also treat or prevent bacterial infections and inflammatory bowel diseases in dogs. Dog probiotic supplements may also help with other health issues in dogs like allergies, obesity and diabetes.
🚨 Petz Park Alert:
If you’re unsure about what type of probiotic supplements to give to your cat or dog or how often you should give it, always consult your vet. Treating your pet with the wrong probiotic can lead to stomach problems, diarrhoea and even vomiting. It's important to choose the right kind of probiotics for cats and dogs, as well as follow correct dosage/feeding instructions because of the risks involved.
Probiotics for Dogs
Should I give my dog a probiotic?
Considering how beneficial probiotics are, the quick answer - yes.
And, you might also be asking, is it ok to give my dog probiotics daily?
The answer to that is yes as well! Vets recommend that dogs are given probiotics every day to keep their digestive health on the up and up and for their overall well-being.
As explained in the introductory sections of this blog, probiotics contain good bacteria that are beneficial for the proper functioning of your dog’s digestive tract. If your furry friend doesn't have enough of these good bacteria, they can develop all sorts of health problems, from allergies to obesity and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It’s important for your dog to have a healthy digestive tract because a healthy gut means a healthy immune system as well. If your dog isn’t eating or is vomiting or has diarrhoea or constipation, then they’ll be dehydrated, generally unwell and unhealthy.
What’s the healthiest probiotic for dogs?
The best probiotic for dogs is one that has been specifically made for them. If you aren't sure what your dog needs, talk to your vet about any symptoms you see or concerns you may have so they can help you decide which kind of probiotic is best.
Probiotics for Cats
Should cats have probiotics?
Knowing what we know about cat probiotics - then in a heartbeat, our answer is a resounding yes!
The benefits of probiotics work the same with dogs as they do with cats.
Since good gut health is the cornerstone of good immune health and probiotics support that then it’s definitely a supplement you’d want to give to your cat. As mentioned, probiotics maintain the natural balance of microflora in your cat's digestive system which makes your kitty healthier, less prone to infections, diarrhoea, constipation, and skin problems.
Probiotics can also help ease cat stress. Common causes of cat stress include moving to a new house, a change in environment or simply anything new that they’re not used to.
Overall, probiotics help give your cat a better quality of life.
What kind of probiotic can you give a cat?
If your veterinarian has prescribed a specific kind of probiotic for your cat, use only that one. Unless, of course, it doesn’t somehow agree with your cat then ask for a different brand or type. If your vet has not given you any special instructions about what kind to use, then avoid any probiotics made for human consumption unless vet-approved.
Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
Taken in the right amounts and at the right times, probiotics can help repopulate your pet's gastrointestinal tract with healthy bacteria. The idea is to replace bad bacteria with good bacteria as part of your dog's or cat's overall digestive health regimen - this is why the benefits are enormous.
Here’s a quick list:
- Prevents tummy trouble
- Decrease the risk of UTI
- Reduces stress
- Restores gut health
- Helps control yeast overgrowth
- Keeps their coat shiny and healthy
- Can be a natural remedy against diarrhoea/constipation
- Prevents skin disorders
- Improves the immune system
- Keeps allergies away
- For cats: helps get rid of hairballs
- Eliminates bacteria causing bad breath
- Keeps infections at a minimum
- Great dietary supplement
💡 Pet probiotic side effects?
There are very few reported side effects of probiotic use in dogs and cats. However, clinical trials generally rely on volunteers who report any negative effects or unusual symptoms. If your dog or cat experiences an adverse reaction to probiotics, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for further advice.
When do dogs and cats need probiotics?
You can definitely start giving healthy dogs and cats probiotic supplements.
However, there are some specific instances where probiotics are even more beneficial:
- For senior dogs or cats with compromised immune systems
- For dogs or cats with digestive problems
- For dogs or cats prone to or currently suffering from allergies
- For dogs or cats prone to or currently suffering from skin problems
- For dogs or cats with UTI
- For dogs or cats about to experience stressful situations such as moving to a new house, joining a competition or adoption/rescue
- For dogs or cats who suffer from chronic pain
Petz Park Probiotics May Be Perfect For Your Pet
Because we’re a fan of both dogs and cats, we developed probiotic supplements that are great for both!
- Petz Park Probiotic for Dogs is a multi-strain, 100% natural and certified organic powder designed to maintain good digestive health in dogs. It is put through a natural, organic fermentation process to create a highly nutritious probiotic supplement.
To find more information and read customer reviews, click this link.
- Petz Park Probiotic for Cats is designed to promote gut health in cats. This multi-strain digestive supplement is suitable for cats experiencing hairballs, digestive problems and a compromised immune system.
To find more information and read customer reviews, click this link.
At the end of the day, the benefits of probiotics for cats and dogs are numerous and indisputable. If you have a cat or dog that suffers from any number of conditions, chronic or otherwise, giving them probiotics can help to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It’s never too late to start supplementing your pet’s diet with probiotics and it’s better to do it earlier rather than later.
*This information is intended as general information only. It was not written or intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional guidance from your pet’s veterinarian before taking any action that could affect your pet’s health.
