Just like us humans, our pets also need help with keeping their gut healthy. That’s where pet probiotics come in useful. For dogs it is the gut with their immune system is located and is the biggest immune organ in their body, regardless of breed. A healthy gut will keep your dog both active and full of life.

It is believed that a daily probiotic can improve the digestive system of your dog. The level to which it can do this is still unsure, however. This is because, although there has been extensive research into probiotics and humans, there has been very little on the benefits probiotics may have on canines.

What are pet probiotics?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) a pet probiotics are microscopic organisms that when delivered into the body in sufficient quantities provide a health benefit to the host. Veterinarian expert from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Jerry Klein said of probiotics that they have the potential to provide a plethora of healthy benefits to all breeds of dog. This is because they prevent the activity and growth of Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, and any other harmful bacteria. They also provide numerous other benefits to the intestines of canines.

This has been backed up by other professionals, such as Brennen McKenzie of the Los Altos Adobe Animal Hospital in California, whose studies have shown that probiotic use in dogs can be beneficial. Thanks to the ability of probiotics to pass into the intestines, where they are able to colonize, means they are able to prevent diarrhea and other conditions, such as inflammation of the bowel.

How do probiotics benefit dogs?

There is lots of evidence that suggest probiotics should be used on dogs, as it has a positive impact on obesity, chronic GI abnormalities, behavior and mood disorders, and liver disease. The daily use of a probiotic supplement may also benefit dogs by giving both their coat and skin a better appearance, a nicer smelling breath, fewer yeast disorders, fewer problems with gas, and a better regulation of bowel function.

The different types of probiotics

Dog probiotics are available in a range of different sizes and shapes. Some, such as NOW’s GI Support for Dogs & Cats, are specially designed for dogs, where as Rx Vitamins for Pets’ Biotic for Pets is aimed more generally at all pets rather than just canines. They are usually available in the form of powders, pastes, solutions, or pills.

Depending on which strains of yeast and / or bacteria are used within a probiotic, it has different effects on a dog’s body. For example, Bifidobacterium can help to reduce the duration of diarrhea, as well as giving the immune system of dogs a boost; and Lactobacillus increases the rate at which nutrients are absorbed.

Some of our favorite probiotic products that have been especially formulated for dogs include Vet-Zimes’ multiple enzymes for dogs formula, Vetri-Science’s Probiotic, and Vetra’s Vetrazyme.