When it comes to owning and caring for a dog, one of the hottest topics today is probiotics. Many people argue that probiotics are a must-have to ensure the dog's health, while others argue that they don’t do much. If you want a quick answer as to whether or not probiotics actually help dogs, here is the answer: they do.
The real answer, however, is a little more complicated. Not all dogs require probiotics, and there are many types of probiotics out there that you can purchase for your furry friends.
In this article, we will talk all about probiotics and what you need to know as a dog owner about using probiotics:
What are probiotics?
To start, let us talk about what probiotics are. They are live, good bacteria that exist in the body's stomach, intestines, and colon. They assist in keeping the guts healthy, and while they live in the body normally, they can also show up in some fermented foods like yogurt. Probiotics generally work along with prebiotics, which is food that facilitates the growth of the probiotics. Prebiotics are typically found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
For dogs, these bacteria already exist in their stomachs. However, there are some cases that there is a lack of probiotics in the dog's body, meaning that a probiotic supplement may be needed.
Does my dog need probiotics?
Not all dogs require probiotic supplements, but if your dog shows any of the following signs, you may need to include probiotics in their diet:
Obesity
Liver disease
Behavior disorders
Bladder infections
Radical dietary changes
Bad breath
Parasites
If you are unsure as to whether or not such signs point to the fact that your dog requires probiotics, you can always visit a vet for a checkup and ask for advice.
Which probiotics should I pick?
If your dog does require probiotics, know that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different probiotics supplements will contain different yeast and bacteria and are crafted to address different functions. For example, if your dog is dealing with diarrhea, you will need to look for probiotics that contain Bifidobacterium to boost the dog's immunity and reduce diarrhea. Other probiotics strains include Lactobacillus, which are safe for dogs to consume and improve their gut health.
As such, the best thing to do is to visit your dog's vet and ask which probiotics you should be looking for to address any health issues your dog is facing. They can also recommend brands that they know are safe and effective for your dog.
Conclusion
All in all, probiotics are good for dogs, and if you believe that your dog lacks them, bring the dog to a vet for a checkup. They can identify the root cause and evaluate if your pet does need a probiotic supplement. If your pet needs probiotics, your vet will provide specific recommendations on what kind of probiotics you should give your dog. Follow the prescription and schedule given to boost your dog’s gut health and strengthen their overall well-being.
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