A Guide To Probiotics for Dogs & Cats

While probiotics for humans are very much in the mainstream, probiotics for dogs and cats are not as common, as of yet. However, given the tremendous benefits of a healthy digestive tract, it’s not surprising that probiotics for dogs and cats are an emerging trend in wellness pet care.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms such as healthy bacteria & yeasts that can provide health benefits when consumed, including helping to balance and rejuvenate the gut microbiome.

How Do Probiotics Work?

There are multiple ways that ingesting a probiotic supplement helps improve health for pets:

Support Gut Health: Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract, which can help fight “bad” bacteria that cause illness and/or digestive problems.

Aid The Digestive Process: By maintaining healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, probiotics can help improve digestion and mitigate digestive issues such as diarrhea and cramping.

Produce Beneficial Byproducts In The Gut: Some probiotics produce helpful compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, which also improve gut health.

Additional Benefits: Medical research also suggests that taking probiotics has benefits for skin health, immune function, and even weight management.

Probiotics For Dogs and Cats: Important Considerations

There are multiple considerations to be aware of when considering giving probiotics to pets.

First and foremost, consult with your veterinarian and have a thoughtful discussion about your pet’s digestive health. Your veterinarian can then make recommendations based on whatever issues your dog or cat is facing, for the right type of probiotic, the correct dosage, and the duration of time that your pet gets probiotics.

Second, the effectiveness of probiotics is determined by the specific strain of healthy bacteria. Recommendations for probiotics should be strain-specific for the type of healthy bacteria that would be given.

Third, be aware of potential side effects. When first starting a regimen of probiotics, some pets may experience temporary gas and bloating. Those side effects typically resolve within a few days. However, this is why it’s so important to consult with your veterinarian before dosing your pet with probiotics.

Probiotics For Dogs and Cats: Are There Probiotics Specifically For Pets?

Yes. The types of bacteria in the gut microbiome of a dog’s or cat’s digestive system are different than people. So, if your dog or cat needs probiotics, it’s best to use probiotics specifically formulated for dogs or cats.

Probiotics For Dogs and Cats: What Are The Signs That My Pet Could Benefit From Taking Probiotics?

Here are some signs that your pet could be a good candidate for a regimen of probiotics:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach noise
• Bad gas
• Constipation
• Allergies
• Weight loss
• Being on a temporary prescription of antibiotics

How Are Probiotics For Dogs And Cats Administered?

Probiotics for pets typically come in powder form which is flavored. The probiotic powder is then sprinkled over dry food that’s moistened with water, or over wet food. Because the powder is flavored and formulated to taste and smell good, most pets relish it and lick the bowl clean.

It’s becoming more and more widely known that the health of the gut microbiome (bacteria in the digestive tract) affects the health of the rest of the body. When probiotics for pets are added to their food, a whole host of health benefits can arise.

If you have questions about probiotics for dogs or cats, contact us at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital! An appointment can be scheduled to evaluate your pet and determine if pet probiotics would enhance their health and well-being.