Benefits and Side Effects of Probiotics for Dogs

Before giving any drugs to a pet, it is best that one takes the time to research the benefits and side effects of that particular drug. And, because we know that spending time compelling information about effective dog probiotics is not always something that you might have time to do, we have decided to help you out. Consequently, below you can find all the info you need to know on the subject.

First things first, probiotics are a kind of good bacteria that are usually supplied to the pet whenever it has to take antibiotics or when it suffers from intestinal disequilibria. These bacteria are said to be similar to those that can usually be found in the pet’s gut.

Furthermore, although human probiotics are also available on the market, you should never give them to your dog. What is more, some bacteria that can be found in dog probiotics are harmful to humans. So, never mix/interchange the two.

When it comes to listing the benefits of probiotics, we have to point out that they are typically used to repair the imbalance caused by antibiotics in the gut. Moreover, they are given to dogs in order to treat diarrhea caused by stress.

Other advantages of probiotics include the fact that they support a healthy gut and that they are said to lower the levels of cholesterol. Besides, these friendly-gut bacteria are also used to help the pet improve its resistance to food poisoning. When used in moderation, probiotics can boost your dog’s overall health and well-being.

On the other hand, it is equally important that all pet owners are familiar with the dog probiotics side effects. According to specialists, quality probiotics are very safe, and they don’t usually cause side issues.

Yet, probiotics can cause the overstimulation of your pet’s immune system as well as mild gases and bloating. However, there have been cases when products of lower quality have provoked a series of allergic reactions such as difficulty to breath and/or itching.

Nonetheless, the latter reactions are very rare and should not discourage any owner from using these drugs when needed. As a plus, probiotics can be administered without doctor supervision.

Another aspect that you must know is the fact that you should only use probiotics to treat specific symptoms. Namely, you should think about giving them to your dog if you see signs of constipation, diarrhea and/or other markers for digestive issues. Once administered, they can alleviate the pain and the discomfort felt by the pet.  

Before giving them to your pet, it is advisable that you inform your vet and get his permission to do so. By talking to your local vet about this, you’ll be able to receive additional advice about dog food with probiotics and digestive enzymes as well as about dosage.

If, after the use of probiotics, the pet is still unwell, medical attention is required. So, if needed, do not hesitate to take your pet in for a consult.