Probiotics for Dogs: A Vet’s Guide

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are nutritional products that contain helpful microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts), that aid in healthy digestion. Not all bacteria are bad, and in fact, we all rely on billions of them in our digestive tract to help perform the following functions –

• Break down food as part of digestion
• Compete with more harmful microorganisms, preventing infection
• Help with a healthy immune system
• Production of vitamins

These microorganisms are referred to as the ‘microbiome‘ and disruptions can occur to this environment affecting normal levels of bacteria, meaning your dog may benefit from a boost occasionally. This is where probiotics come in!

The most common species of probiotics are bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, though other microorganisms may be found depending on the product you buy.

Probiotics are nutritional products that contain helpful microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts), that aid in healthy digestion.

When are probiotics used in dogs?

Most healthy dogs will maintain their microbiome balance naturally, but if your dog becomes stressed or unwell then issues can occur. Imbalances can contribute to digestive issues and symptoms like diarrhea and increased flatulence (gas).

There are several situations when your dog’s digestive system could benefit from some additional good gut bacteria.

• If there has been a sudden change in diet this could affect your dog’s intestines, leading to digestive upset
• A recent course of antibiotics may affect the levels of microorganisms in your dog’s guts
• Bacterial or viral infections involving the digestive system can upset levels
• Certain health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease
• Stressful situations can cause diarrhea, such as a stay at a boarding kennel or a recent house move

There are several situations when your dog’s digestive system could benefit from some additional good gut bacteria.

Do probiotics work?

Studies indicate that probiotics can be helpful in the face of digestive upset in dogs. This particular study suggests that dogs given a probiotic product had their non-specific diarrhea resolve quicker than those given a placebo. Another study suggests that probiotics helped dogs to avoid diarrhea when being treated with chemotherapy for lymphoma (a type of cancer). So clearly there are some scenarios where probiotics can be very helpful.

However, not all probiotics are the same. Products differ in terms of the type or number of microorganisms they contain as well as any other additional anti-diarrhoeal ingredients. There are no specific studies on which type of probiotic is best for which type of gastrointestinal disorder, so whilst one product may not work for your pet, another might. More research needs to be done in this area.

It is also worth bearing in mind, that while probiotics are unlikely to do any harm in many scenarios, some conditions may be better treated with a change of diet, antibiotics, or other therapies. So it is always worth getting your pet checked over by your veterinarian and discussing treatment options for their individual condition.

Studies indicate that probiotics can be helpful in the face of digestive upset in dogs.

What are prebiotics?

You may have also heard of the term prebiotic and wondered what this refers to. Prebiotics are the food source that probiotics (the living microorganisms) rely on to feed and multiply. Prebiotics are usually types of fiber that can be found in naturally high fiber foods like vegetables (for example carrots and mushrooms). Some dog food brands have prebiotics as part of their formulation.

Prebiotics are usually types of fiber that can be found in naturally high fiber foods like vegetables (for example carrots and mushrooms).

Can dogs take human probiotics?

It is not generally advisable for dogs to take human probiotic products, as our pets have different digestive systems than us. This means that the types of bacteria found in human products may differ from those found in dog-specific ones. Many human probiotics also come in yogurt or yogurt drink forms that contain lactose. Some dogs can struggle to digest this, leading to further tummy troubles.

Conclusion

Probiotics are living organisms that help with your dog’s digestive tract health. If your pet has an imbalance in these bacteria and yeasts, then it could affect their digestion. Dogs with loose stools will usually benefit from a supplement to replenish their levels of ‘good gut bacteria’. Speak to your vet if you have any questions about probiotics and to check whether they might be helpful for your pet.