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Home » Probiotics for dogs, the myth uncovered
Probiotics for dogs
Probiotics for dogs

Probiotics for dogs, the myth uncovered

Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaBy Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaJuly 23, 2020Updated:April 18, 202237 Comments6 Mins Read Diet and Supplements
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Probiotics for dogs, the good, bad and the ugly…


You must be aware of the health benefits probiotics have to offer to humans. Do you know of the incredible benefits it can offer to dogs? Is probiotics for dogs just a façade or do they really work? Read on to find out more…

Probiotics for dogs, the myth uncovered


 

Topics covered in this blog post

    • What are probiotics?
    • How do probiotics work?
      • Some other function of probiotics include :
    • Probiotics for dogs:
  • Other articles which might interest you:
    • Do dogs have probiotics naturally occurring in their intestines?
    • Advantages of probiotics for dogs:
    • Natural dog probiotics :-
    • Commercial dog probiotics:
    • Can human probiotics be used for dogs?
    • When to NOT give probiotics?
    • Side effects of probiotics:
    • Do you give your dog a probiotic diet?

What are probiotics?

Put in simple terms, probiotics are microorganisms like yeast and bacteria which are a natural part of the ecosystem of the gut. Scientific studies have shown probiotics to be beneficial in the treatment of intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea when administered in correct quantities

.

How do probiotics work?

The gastrointestinal tract has a balance of the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ (can cause disease if left unchecked) bacteria. These play a role in the maintenance of the healthy gastrointestinal system. Situations which cause stress to the body like a sudden dietary change, antibiotics, parasitic infection, travelling etc. can lead to a decrease in the levels of the good bacteria. Under such conditions, the potentially harmful bad bacteria increase in numbers and cause intestinal upset and diarrhea.

Administration of probiotics can help restore the level of good bacteria in the gut and put a check on the uncontrolled growth of the harmful bacteria. The good bacteria present in the probiotic compete with the harmful bacteria for intestinal binding sites as well as nutrition thus working with body’s immune system to fight off the pathogens. Once the balance of the good and bad bacteria is restored, stools return to normal.

Some other function of probiotics include :

  • Stabilize the walls of the digestive tract so that undesired bacteria cannot migrate into the bloodstream and cause infection.
  • Produce chemicals which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Enhances the growth of favorable microbiota.
  • Stimulation of the immune system.

Probiotics for dogs:

We always want our pups to be happy, healthy and lead a long life. Thus, when we come across a dietary supplement which holds the promise of betterment of their overall health, we want to grab it off the shelf as soon as possible.

Probiotics are the good intestinal bacteria which are grown under controlled conditions in the laboratory. After processing they are either manufactured as components of treats, dental chews, food or as dietary supplement tablets.

Other articles which might interest you:

  • 15 unbelievable ways apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help your dog
  • Is CBD oil a good option for dogs?
  • Coconut oil for dogs, 10 benefits every dog parent must know

Do dogs have probiotics naturally occurring in their intestines?

As per a review paper published in 2016, high-throughput DNA sequencing has revealed that the stomach of dogs contains Proteobacteria with a few species of Firmicutes. The predominant species observed were Lactobacillus and Helicobacter species. The duodenum of dogs contains six main phyla viz. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochetes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. The jejunum and ileum of dogs have been observed to contain Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The ileum primarily contains Bacteroidetes, Formicates and Fusobacteria.

Advantages of probiotics for dogs:

Dogs who were administered probiotics showed better recovery from diseases like parasitic infection or panvirosis. However, the mechanisms behind this has not been uncovered yet.

Probiotics when administered during the start of diarrhea helped to get diarrhea under control

Probiotics can also be recommended under the following conditions : –

  • Food allergies
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Natural dog probiotics :-

The option of national probiotics for dogs include especially formulated yoghurt, kefir, fermented vegetables and green tripe.

However, the major problem with natural probiotics is that all dogs cannot digest fermented vegetables or dairy products. Furthermore, most dogs won’t eat fermented vegetables at all.

Thus, a dog guardian is mainly left with the option of commercial probiotics for their dogs.

Commercial dog probiotics:

Commercial dog food products go through a series of processing during the manufacturing process. Growing probiotic bacteria and then keeping them viable during the manufacturing process is very difficult.

The ‘good ‘ bacteria present in the dog’s digestive system cannot be grown in laboratories as per the current techniques available. Thus, a product that would suffice as a complete probiotic is not available.

A study done in 2003 checked 19 probiotic dog foods commercially available. None of these 19 products had the good bacteria they claimed to have in the packaging. More than 50% of the products had unwanted bacteria residing in them.

The process of manufacturing mostly alters the microflora. Thus, even if these bacteria survive the manufacturing process, they will not be able to adhere to the intestinal walls. Thus, these bacteria will pass straight through the digestive system without providing any benefits.

Can human probiotics be used for dogs?

Dogs and humans have different species and proportion of gut bacteria. In humans, the Bifidobacteria species are the ones which are found in maximum number in intestines. On the other hand, in dogs, the Bifidobacterium species are found in relatively less numbers.

Thus, if you administer a human probiotic to your dog, it may cause disruption of the natural microflora in your dogs gut.

Thus, if you really want to give your dog, a probiotic supplement, go for a dog probiotic and not a human one.

When to NOT give probiotics?

Even though prebiotic and probiotic dietary supplements are considered safe for dogs. There are certain times when using them can cause more harm than good.
When your pup is less than 6 months of age

Pups are born with a small proportion of gut bacteria which they acquire from their mother during the process of nursing, environmental contact and weaning.

Thus, administration of probiotics to puppies will cause an overload on their intestines with unwanted bacteria leading to an upset stomach.

Your dog is ill: If your dog is ill or suffering from diarrhea, this is not the time to start giving him/her probiotics. Follow the treatment plan as suggested by your vet. Once your pup is well, you can consult your vet about starting him/her on probiotics.

Side effects of probiotics:

There have been no major reports of any unpleasant side effects on probiotic administration in dogs. A study conducted by the Proctor & Gamble Pet Care Technical Centre has found that administration of a specific Bifidobacterium strain to beagles was well tolerated with no safety issues.

In the worst-case scenario, your dog might just pass the probiotic straight through the stools.

In case you notice your dog’s stomach gets upset after probiotic administration, discontinue immediately and consult your vet.

Do you give your dog a probiotic diet?

How has your experience been with probiotics for dogs? When did you give them and for what purpose? Did it work? Have you continued to give your dog probiotics?

Let me know in the comment section what is your take on dog probiotics.

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Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

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37 Comments

  1. Rahul Saha on July 23, 2020 8:38 pm

    Outstandingly compiled and superbly written. This unique and commendable topic is quite unknown to the majority of dog guardians and would prove extremely beneficial towards maintaining a dog's overall health in a holistic manner.

    Reply
  2. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 23, 2020 8:41 pm

    Thank you so much dear 🙂

    Reply
  3. Matt on July 24, 2020 4:45 pm

    I have been taking probiotics for awhile now. I had not idea there was such a thing for dogs. Interesting information!

    Reply
  4. Brianne on July 24, 2020 6:03 pm

    We don't give a probioitc diet, but our guy is on a probiotic supplement that the vet recommended. He does exceptionally well on it.

    Reply
  5. Claudia on July 24, 2020 6:45 pm

    I love that you talked about this. There is so much hype surrounding so many things with our dogs these days. It's nice to read what's actually true.

    Reply
  6. The Joyous Living on July 25, 2020 12:23 am

    i give my dog probiotics. but he is also on strong medication for seizures. it's nice to hear some more about reasons why people give their dogs probiotics.

    Reply
  7. meki on July 25, 2020 3:20 am

    Didn't know caring for dogs entails this level of detail — so nice to see that there is so much care we can put into it! My friends have pets – and have told me of so much struggle with tummy problems of their dogs.

    Reply
  8. Marie at Complete Literature on July 25, 2020 5:31 am

    There is so much to this that I wouldn't have even thought about. Thank you for putting it together so well!

    Reply
  9. Gervin Khan on July 25, 2020 11:53 am

    I have never thought about this before but after reading this article I am going to ask my vet for a probiotics prescription for my dog.

    Reply
  10. Chei on July 25, 2020 2:01 pm

    I have no idea that dogs can have probiotics. I will try this to my dogs. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Rhea on July 26, 2020 1:33 am

    Dogs are considered our extended family thus we need to look after with their needs. I can see that all dogs can benefit from probiotics, which aid digestion and modulate the immune system.

    Reply
  12. emman damian on July 27, 2020 2:23 am

    This is well written. I learned a lot about probiotics! Nice!

    Reply
  13. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:23 pm

    Thank you

    Reply
  14. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:23 pm

    My pup, Delta too has stomach issues. He is mostly on homemade dog food for the same reason.

    Reply
  15. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:24 pm

    Definitely…!

    Reply
  16. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:24 pm

    I am glad to hear that 🙂

    Reply
  17. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:25 pm

    Oh dear…My best wishes with your pupper. I hope he gets well soon.

    Reply
  18. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:27 pm

    You're most welcome 🙂

    Reply
  19. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:28 pm

    sx

    Reply
  20. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:32 pm

    Happy to help 🙂

    Reply
  21. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:33 pm

    Thank you. Happy to help 🙂

    Reply
  22. Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on July 27, 2020 4:33 pm

    Yes…absolutely..!!

    Reply
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    Great article. well written. I have a platform that could use your talent! Bernard Raymond, the Humanimal Attorney (on LinkedIn)

    Reply
  24. Sadies Dad on September 3, 2020 2:58 am

    thanks for the great article. I have been wondering about probiotics for a while. I've read that dogs bad breath is often associated with gut problems. thanks again!

    Reply
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