Probiotics for Dogs: What Are They and How Can They Help?

Probiotics for dogs are important since they help to maintain a healthy amount of "good bacteria" within the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the anus and there are about 400 different microorganisms living within the gastrointestinal tract which include: yeast, bacteria, and other microflora.

Dogs and all other mammals naturally acquire microflora from their mothers during birth and also later from the environment as well. These various microorganisms play an essential role in promoting and maintaining proper health.

These microorganisms are necessary for the proper digestion of food since they help to break down food. They are extremely important since they are the first line of defense against an infection and they help with the immunological response of animals and humans.

Probiotics for dogs and other mammals help to maintain the proper amount of good bacteria and yeast within the intestinal tract.

Dogs suffer from gastrointestinal digestive disorders just as humans do. These disorders can cause various health problems resulting in diarrhea, gas, and other more serious conditions as well. Probiotics for dogs help to ward off intestinal disorders by keeping the gastrointestinal tract full of healthy bacteria. The bacteria and yeast are then able to do their job by fighting off infection and digesting food.

Dogs also experience stress just as people do. This can affect the amount of beneficial microorganisms living within the gastrointestinal tract of canines since stress can change the pH which kills off the good bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract then lacks the proper amount of microorganisms needed to properly break down food. Pathogens are able to easily invade and cause damage. Probiotics for dogs help to maintain the healthy bacteria so they can protect against illness and disease.

Some common symptoms that may be the result of poor digestion:

Bad breath
Tooth problems
Loose stools
Diarrhea
Allergies
Vomiting
Gas
Skin problems
Excessive shedding
Weight problems (over or under weight)

Probiotics for dogs can help to achieve:

Complete digestion of food
Less gas
Better skin and coat
Better breath
Normal bowel functions
Better immune response
Etc

If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you have him/her checked out by your veterinarian first. You should make sure that it is a digestive issue that your dog is suffering from and not something more serious.

Probiotics for dogs and other animals can be purchased online, from your veterinarian, or from the local pet store.