There are lots of health benefits from adding probiotics for dogs to their diet
The benefits of probiotics to our general health have been well known for many years.
But did you know that probiotics are good for dogs as well?
Just like us, our furry friends need protection for their gut health which can also influence their general well-being.
You can get sources of probiotics for dogs from many sources. PetExx has two main products that provide probiotics for dogs, Stomach Settler which is an easy feed paste that our clients love.
We also have added probiotics for dogs in Fibre Boost, which is a sprinkle powder that you can add to their feeds.
Here are six reasons to probiotics for dogs are something you should build into your pet’s daily diet.
- Digestive Health Just like humans, dogs can experience all sorts of issues with their digestive systems. That might include unpleasant and sometime distressing issues like diarrhoea, constipation, and upset stomachs, sometimes leading to vomiting. Probiotics for dogs on a regular basis can help in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This in turn aids proper digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
- Immune System Support Did you know that a significant portion of a dog’s immune system is found in their gut? This means that by promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help strengthen your dog’s immune system, making them more resilient to illnesses and infections like diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs.
- Reducing the Risk of Allergies: Sadly dogs can often suffer from allergies. Allergies in dogs can show themselves in different way. You might notice your dog has a skin condition. They might be itching and licking their paws more often. You dog might have gastrointestinal problems and be sensitive to certain foods and teats. Probiotics have been shown to modulate the immune response of dogs, and this could potentially lessen the risk of allergic reactions in dogs.
- Management of Inflammatory Conditions: It has been shown that some types of inflammatory conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or arthritis can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of probiotics. They can help reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, thereby easing discomfort and improving overall health of your dogs.
- Support for Dogs on Antibiotics: Your dog might have been prescribed an antibiotic by the vet because they are suffering from a bacterial infections. While antibiotics are a great way to treat certain health conditions in dogs unfortunately on occasion, they can disrupt the natural balance of a dog’s gut bacteria. This is a good time to think about a probiotic for your dog as this sort of supplement can help restore the gut balance and therefore support their recovery.
- Reduction of Bad Breath and Body Odor: Just like in humans, the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut can help reduce the production of unpleasant smelling gases. A good gut balance in your dog can also improve overall breath and body odour.
If you are worried about your dog’s overall wellness or concerned they might have a serious gut problem you should always consult your vet.
For more advice about your pet’s overall health the pet charity PDSA has great tips here.