5 Ways Probiotics Can Benefit Your Dog
5 Ways Probiotics Can Benefit Your Dog
by Sandy Starr
It’s believed that the changes in the natural gut microbial environment or microbiome of dogs may be caused by diet changes, weaning, infections, stress, antibiotics, and parasites. That’s why it’s believed to be vital to consider giving probiotics to your furry pals to help stabilize and neutralize their gastrointestinal tract.
What Are Probiotics
Probiotics refer to the live bacteria that are beneficial for the human digestive system oftentimes found in some foods and supplements. But are probiotics also beneficial for dogs? Can they prevent different digestive problems and other ailments of your pet?
The answer is a resounding yes. Probiotics are said to be good for dogs as well because they also have certain types of good bacteria in their intestines including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, and others. You can give probiotics for your pets to keep these microorganisms happy and do their job of maintaining the delicate balance present in the dog’s digestive system.
Different Ways Probiotics Can Improve Your Fur Baby’s Wellbeing
Probiotics may be small in size but they bring with them enormous health benefits to their consumers – dogs included. Mentioned below are just some of the possible ways feeding your pet probiotics can benefit their bodily health and wellbeing – from preventing pet obesity to aiding in a dog’s mood.
Prevents Diarrhea
Parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are believed to be the common causes of diarrhea in dogs. In addition, pathogens such as bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens may disrupt the digestive system of dogs causing discomfort and watery and broken stools.
Diarrhea may become serious if left untreated as it’s said to cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Before your dog experiences a series of digestive problems, take preventive measures to safeguard your pet’s gut health.
Probiotics can help prevent diarrhea in dogs by increasing the number of good bacteria to combat the bad bacteria in your dog’s digestive system. Yogurt or kefir is a good source of probiotics for dogs. Not all dogs are able to easily digest dairy products. Specially formulated dog food and supplements is the easiest way to give your dog probiotics.
Helps Avoid Pet Obesity
Despite your best intentions, your dogs can become overweight for various reasons. It may be because of the high calories present in their diets or not having enough exercise. Other causes include hormonal imbalance and the bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Pet obesity is killing canines indirectly. You may not know it, but your dog can adapt to your lifestyle. If you don’t want to lose your canine friend, prevent obesity by being active and taking probiotics.
The susceptibility of dogs to gaining weight can be affected by the impact of their microbiome. It means that dogs tend to gain weight if they have a disrupted bacteria in their digestive tract. Probiotics are believed to play a crucial role in helping prevent canine obesity.
Controls Allergies
An imbalance of bacteria in the stomach of your dog may cause various discomforts including skin allergies. It’s a good thing that probiotics are said to provide gentle relief from skin allergies.
Probiotics are regarded to be helpful in restoring balance in the bacteria present in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. This may significantly improve their immune system functions.
Averts Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis in dogs can be caused by periodontal disease and bacteria in the mouth.
Supplementing with probiotics can help balance the healthy bacteria in their mouth and keep their breath smelling fresh.
Maintains Your Dog’s Good Mood
In a study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles, researchers found that gastrointestinal microbes are linked to different areas in the brain and affect mood and behavior.
Your dog’s diet is believed to influence their behavior. A high-carbohydrate diet is said to cause increased mood swings and aggression in some dogs. Additives and chemicals can cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
Experts agree that a happy dog has a healthy functioning gut. With the help of probiotics, you can help improve your dog’s digestive health and maintain a good temperament. Because the additives can change how probiotics work, it’s crucial to determine how the probiotic products are made.
Conclusion
Probiotics can promote the optimum health of dogs by preventing diarrhea, pet obesity, and the like. Giving your canine friends probiotics supplements and food helps make their digestive tract healthy by feeding them good bacteria. Consult with your trusted veterinarian to ensure that you’re providing good sources of natural probiotics and dog supplements for skin.
