Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. Statistics vary, but it is believed that between 1% and 10% of dogs reporting to veterinary practices have diarrhea. In those cases, probiotics would be beneficial as a treatment option.
In addition to treating diarrhea in dogs, there are a number of other benefits to probiotics.
Digestive system
One of the greatest benefits of probiotics for dogs is their ability to produce enzymes that improve digestion. In particular, probiotics have been shown to improve digestion in dogs by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Probiotics are also helpful for preventing diarrhea in dogs on antibiotics since antibiotics can cause disruptions to the healthy bacteria that live in a dog’s gut.
Skin and coat
Probiotics have been shown to improve a dog’s coat and skin by increasing the number of fatty acids that are produced in the gut. This improves health because it strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Probiotics can also help dogs with allergies that suffer from itchy, flaky skin.
Helps fight infection
The healthy bacteria that are found in a dog’s gut can help to keep infections at bay by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Can increase energy levels
Probiotics can help to improve the function of the digestive system which in turn leads to an increase in a dog’s energy levels.
A healthy digestive system also helps to absorb food more efficiently. This also leads to an increase in a dog’s energy levels because less food is needed to produce the same effect.
Lowers chance of obesity
Probiotics help dogs to digest their food more efficiently which in turn helps to reduce the risk of obesity.
Decrease the side effects of antibiotics
Antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal distress in many animals, including dogs. Probiotics help to balance the good bacteria and prevent opportunistic infections caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
They may positively impact dog’s behavior
Anecdotal reports suggest that dog probiotics could improve a dog’s behavior by reducing anxiety and stress.
Better breath
Bad breath in dogs is often caused by the byproducts of yeast that live in a dog’s mouth. Probiotics can help to lower the number of yeast in a dog’s mouth to reduce bad breath.
While it may be difficult to know if your dog has a digestive system issue, you should consult with your veterinarian. If they recommend probiotics as the treatment option, then there are many benefits to them. In addition to treating diarrhea in dogs and making digestion easier, probiotics can also improve skin conditions like allergies or flaky skin. Probiotics have been shown to help increase energy levels while reducing obesity risk and side effects from antibiotics. These healthy bacteria that live in our pets’ guts also help fight against harmful infections by inhibiting the growth of those bad bacteria which is just one more benefit of giving your pet these supplements!