You’ve probably heard about the benefits of probiotics for your digestive system. But did you know they work for dogs as well? Probiotics support good bacteria in the GI tract and are suitable for immunity. Here are a few reasons to start giving probiotics to your dog.
1. Alleviating Digestive Issues
If your dog has digestive issues caused by illness or stress, probiotics may help. If your pet is anxious about moving to a new home or traveling, it may suffer digestive issues. Stress and illness upset the balance between healthy and harmful microbes in their gut. As a result, they may suffer bad breath, diarrhea, gas, and cramping.
Probiotics can relieve these types of digestive problems in no time. They can relieve the symptoms within four to seven days.
2. Promoting Positive Behaviour
Did you know that a healthy gut may positively impact your dog’s behavior? If your pet is unwell, behavioral change may be the first sign. Like humans, gut bacteria in dogs can trigger emotional issues.
This might translate into negative habits like excessive licking. Introducing probiotics might be good for your dog’s behavior.
3. Alleviating the Side Effects of Antibiotics
The effects of antibiotics can be severe. They are great for fighting infections that cause gastrointestinal side effects. If you plan on giving your dog antibiotics, administering probiotics beforehand may prevent the adverse side effects. Continue them for a while after the treatment period.
4. Promoting a Healthier Coat, Skin, and Breath
Probiotics promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can be very beneficial. They can make your dog feel and look better. A daily dose of probiotics for your dog can improve their skin and coat. They’ll feel better as well.
If you love your dog and want to give it a new reason to jump for joy, consider getting probiotics from HonestPaws.com.
5. Minimizing Tummy Upsets
Some dogs may suffer tummy upsets when exposed to certain foods. If you have been offering certain foods for a long time and you suddenly switch, your dog will likely suffer gastrointestinal distress. Consider prepping their gut with probiotics to make the transition easier.
Dog Foods with Probiotics
Dogs, like other animals, have billions of probiotics in their stomachs. They are responsible for improving digestion, fighting infections, and improving their immune system. This is known as a healthy microbiome. Changes can cause illnesses, including:
- Cramping and gas
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Bad breath
- Obesity
- Bloating and stomach upset
There are various sources of probiotics for dogs. They may be pills, food-based, or powders. One of the best food sources of probiotics is kefir or yogurt with live cultures. However, you should note that they may have artificial sweeteners, which aren’t safe. Healthy sources of probiotics for a dog include:
- Green tripe
- Broccoli
- Goat milk
- Buttermilk
- Bananas
- Sweet potato
Although fruits and vegetables may not have live bacteria, they are packed with prebiotics.
Some dog foods have added probiotics. They are some of the best ways to introduce probiotics to your dog’s diet. Note that bacteria is sensitive to air, moisture, and temperature. Therefore, the preparation process can influence the quality of probiotics.
Note that there are many types of probiotics. Read the label to know exactly what you’re giving your dog. Your vet should help you determine the best options for your dog.
In conclusion, probiotics are great for your dogs. They are dietary supplements with helpful bacteria naturally occurring in the digestive tract.
They have immense health benefits that you may not have considered. Consider giving them probiotic-rich foods and supplements. When in doubt, always get recommendations from your vet.