Friday, March 22, 2024

Probiotics For Puppies On Antibiotics

Probiotics For Dog Immune System Health And General Health

Choose The Right Probiotic For Your Dog

Around 70 per cent of a dogs immune cells are in the gut, making gut health a key component of a healthy immune system. Probiotics can help strengthen the mucosal barrier in the gut, enabling the essential vitamins, minerals and water to pass through to the bloodstream, while stopping the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria. A healthier gut enables better absorption of vitamins and minerals and better overall health.

If your dog is experiencing a change in their diet or a change in their environment , a probiotic supplement can help to protect against common tummy upsets and illnesses.

Whats The Difference Between Human

Human-grade probiotics are dog probiotics made with high-quality ingredients or ingredients that pass all the requirements for human consumption. Generally speaking, the best probiotics for dogs are made with human-grade ingredients.

On the other hand, human probiotics are supplements formulated explicitly for humans. They have good bacteria that are specific to the human GI tract and digestive health.

In simple words, the main difference between human-grade probiotics and human probiotics is in the type of probiotics within the supplement.

Weakened Immune System In Dogs

Research into lactobacillus included in probiotic supplements has found that L. bacillus may thrive too much in a dogs immune system weakened by disease, malnutrition or even old age. Although a rare occurrence, overgrowth of lactobacillus may allow bacteria to spill over into the dogs bloodstream and produce a systemic infection or inflammation.

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How To Choose The Best Probiotic Supplement For Your Dog

When selecting probiotics for your canine companion, keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Species and Strain: The list of ingredients should indicate the specific bacterial species and strain, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
  • Guaranteed CFU: The label should guarantee the number of colony-forming units in millions or billions per gram. CFU is an estimate of viable bacterial or fungal numbers that the manufacturer guarantees will exist in their product.
  • Customer Service Contact: The product packaging or manufacturers website should have a customer service number so you can contact them with any questions.
  • Expiration Date and Storage Recommendations: The product should have a best before or expiration date. Storage time and conditions can reduce the viability of some bacterial strains. It is best practice to store your probiotics in a refrigerator.

Probiotics are easy to dispense and offer dogs, pets, and humans alike many health benefits and relief from chronic illness.

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Do Probiotics Have Side Effects

POINTPET Probiotics for Dogs

For the most part, probiotics for dogs are a completely safe supplement that have numerous safety studies. The most frequent side effects are digestive upset, gas and bloating.

The more frequently found issue with probiotics is that they dont work. Here are some conditions where probiotics for dogs might not be the best approach to health:

Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth

Most of your dogs bacteria are meant to live in his colon. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth happens when abnormally large numbers of bacteria take up residence in the small intestine. These bacteria can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption in the small intestine. SIBO can be caused by a few factors, including:

  • Diets that are high in sugar and carbohydrates
  • Reduced gut motility
  • Drugs that disrupt the microbiome

Its estimated that about 80% of people with chronic digestive issues actually have SIBO. And the number in dogs might be just as high.The symptoms of SIBO include:

  • Chronic or intermittent diarrhea

Because SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria, giving your dog probiotics will be like adding fuel to the fire depending on the probiotic. So if your dogs symptoms get worse with probiotics, it could be a sign he has SIBO.

Probiotics And Dogs On Antibiotics

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Look At All These Happy Dogs

Our TNT family keeps growing. Check out all of our furry friends.

Benji

Weâve got the answers to some of those lingering questions on your mind.

A: Our dog probiotic tablets are made to resemble kibble so you can easily add it to your dog’s wet or dry food.

A: Our probiotics contain a patented strain with over 95% acceptability rate in dogs meaning the side effects should be minimal. Also, it contains no ingredients derived from dairy or gluten. With that said, each dog is different, and we do recommend consulting with the veterinarian..

A: You can, but human probiotic supplements may contain other bacterial strains and ingredients that may be harmful to them. Our probiotic is made specifically for dogs.

CFUs stand for colony-forming units. Each tablet in our probiotic contains 1 billion CFUs. It means one bottle contains a potent 60 billion CFUs.

Nom Nom Probiotic Support

Image courtesy Nom Nom

It contains a combination of 11 different probiotic strains. It promotes gut health and digestion while also reducing inflammation.

Nom Noms Probiotic Support Supplement is an excellent way to improve your dogs gut health and digestion. This supplement contains a blend of 11 different probiotic strains that help reduce inflammation and support gut health.

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Nusentia Probiotic Miracle Supplement

Image courtesy Nusentia

This is a high-dha, high-antioxidant probiotic that includes 12 different strains. It also contains enzymes and prebiotics. The inclusion of these three elements creates the ideal conditions for superb gut bacteria to thrive and develop.

Nusentias Probiotic Miracle Supplement is one of the most powerful and efficient probiotics available. It has 12 distinct species of probiotic bacteria, as well as enzymes and prebiotics that aid in the development of a favorable setting for these beneficial microorganisms to thrive.

With this supplement, all dogs can find relief regardless of age or size. The benefits extend to numerous issues like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and beyond.

Benefits For The Whole Dog

Veterinarian advises to give pets probiotics

Advertisements touting the benefits of probiotics are plentiful claim that they are a cornerstone of preventative care. Probiotics boost the healthy gut bacteria that help digest food. They are a well-known therapy for diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. More recently, theyve been found to counter urinary tract infections, immune system disorders and even anxiety.

In fact, mental health is one of the most exciting revelations about probiotics. Your dogs gastrointestinal tract and brain are in constant contact, and proper microorganisms in the intestines can help with mental and emotional regulation.

The bacterium called bifidobacterium longum, commonly known as BL999, is at the forefront of this discovery. Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan, a pet behavior researcher for Nestlé Purina, reported that dogs who took BL999 were less likely to bark, jump, spin or pace in situations that normally caused them distress. They were also more likely to explore a new environment.

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Can Dogs With Allergies Use Probiotics

Dogs with allergies can use probiotics. Some studies have proven that probiotics can help reduce skin allergies in dogs, so theyre actually helpful.

While they dont directly stop your dog from scratching, they regulate bacteria levels in your pets GI system, improving the immune system. This, in turn, drastically reduces the severity of skin allergies.

However, if your dog is allergic to particular bacteria present in the probiotics, they should avoid taking them.

What Are The Best Natural Foods Containing Prebiotics For Dogs

While lots of natural foods contain prebiotics, some of these foods are not great

for dog digestion. Thats why it is important to check labels on dog food, supplements and treats for harmful ingredients. If you prefer adding natural foods to your dogs diet, these are the best natural foods that contain beneficial prebiotics for dogs when not overfed:

Fermented Turmeric & Ginger Sweet Potato

Steamed Asparagus

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What Kind Of Probiotic Should I Give My Puppy

When it comes to probiotics for puppies you should give different bacteria strains.

For example, if your puppy has diarrhea, it will benefit from a probiotic supplement with strains like Bacillus coagulans. Simply put, Enterococcus faecium is recommended for stress-triggered diarrhea, Bifidobacterium animalis for idiopathic diarrhea, and Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic-caused diarrhea.

Puppies in need of immune system support benefit from supplements with strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus helps relieve the symptoms of skin allergies, Lactobacillus casei decreases plaque build-up and prevents bad breath, and Lactobacillus fermentum protects from urinary tract infections.

Keep in mind that some of these live bacteria can also be found in certain human foods. The best natural probiotic that is safe for puppies is kefir.

What Do Probiotics Do For Dogs

PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzymes 4 ...

Probiotics for dogs can help promote good bacteria in your dogs gut, which can have a huge impact on his overall health.

They can help support normal gastrointestinal function and the immune system, which isnt as surprising as it may sound because a large portion of the immune system is associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Coates said.

Probiotic supplements are especially important for dogs with underlying health issues.

Probiotics are helpful in restoring the right microbe balance in the gut, and as a result can correct certain conditions, like diarrhea and vomiting, Dr. Haworth said. Especially dogs with chronic conditions, like allergies, chronic ear infections, chemotherapy for cancer or long-term antibiotics, can use some help restoring a healthy microbiome in their gut.

Chronic diseases often require long-term probiotic therapy, Dr. Coates added.

Some health problems that probiotics for dogs can help include the following:

  • Chronic ear infections
  • Side effects from chemotherapy

A huge change in your dogs life might also stress him out and mess with his microbiome, which is another case where probiotics can be useful.

Probiotics can also help dogs experiencing stress diarrhea from boarding, moving, loss of a family member or in shelter dogs, Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, told The Dodo.

Probiotics can also benefit dogs who are taking antibiotics, which can create an imbalance of good bacteria in the stomach.

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Antibiotics And Yeast Infections / Gut Health Inhibitors

On the other side of the probiotic spectrum is the use of antibiotics in dogs. While antibiotics can treat severe bacterial infections, they often leave your dogs gut in disarray. Knowing how to prevent yeast infection while taking antibiotics can be tough. A gut negatively affected by antibiotic use is ripe for yeast growth. Do your best to only use antibiotics when your veterinarian deems it absolutely necessary and replace the lost good bacteria with an NASC approved daily probiotic.

Like antibiotics, certain toxins are sometimes used to ward off certain illnesses. These toxins, such as drugs, chemicals, or flea medicines can inhibit the functionality of the immune system and digestion. Think long and hard before subjecting your dog to these harmful chemicals.

I Would Much Rather Just Take A Probiotic As Preventative Care

As an educated guess, with no studies to back it up, I’ve often wondered if that’s why so many animals eat feces.

As disgusting as it is, it’s a very effective way to get good bacteria into the gut.

I also think the importance of probiotics is illustrated by the sheer number of bacteria that exist in the human body.

The average person has 5 pounds of bacteria in their body.

And that 5 pounds represents billions and billions of bacteria.

Even with pets being much smaller, there’s still a ridiculous amount in their bodies too!

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Best Probiotic For Dogs With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Four Leaf Rover Gut Guard Review

Four Leaf Rovers Gut Guards special blend of probiotics, L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, and organic herbs can help control GI inflammation in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease . This vet-formulated supplement boosts healthy gut flora, breaks down hard-to-digest fibers and starches, and helps seal a leaky intestinal lining.

The organic herbs, such as licorice root, aloe vera, chamomile, dandelion root, ginger root, and burdock root extracts, have exceptional anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the gut of dogs with IBD. Gut Guard is also an excellent probiotic for dogs with other GI problems, including sensitive stomachs, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

Recommended use: At mealtime, give once daily for healthy dogs and twice daily for immune support Dosing: 1/4 tsp , 1/2 tsp , 1 tsp , 1-1/2 tsp , and 2 tsp .

Probiotics included:Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, and Pediococcus acidilactici

Pros
Formulated by a holistic veterinarian

Price

  • $39.99for 30 large dog doses

Tip : Support A Healthy Appetite

âTop 5 Best Probiotics for Dogs in 2022

In many pets, antibiotics can cause lethargy, nausea and/or a loss of appetite, which may make your pet less interested in eating their food. But it is crucial that your pet continues to eat, because their body needs the energy to continue fighting infection and repairing damaged cells. If your pet refuses their food, dont force them to eat: wait a few hours and offer the food again. If they continue to refuse, consider adding something to the food to make it more palatable. A low-sodium beef, chicken, or bone broth is often helpful.

In addition, warming the food to bring out the aroma often makes it more palatable to cats and dogs, who rely much more on their sense of smell than their sense of taste when it comes to deciding what is tasty and what is not.

Now lets cover how to help your pet after antibiotic treatment.

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Probiotics For Gut Health Dog Health & Wellness

Millions of bacteria inhabit a dogs gut and these bacteria eat the same food your pet eats. Bacteria eat fiber since a dogs digestive system cannot digest it. As bacteria take in fiber, short-chain fatty acids or SCFAs are eliminated. Probiotics in dogs help them to keep the healthier SCFAs in their gut. These SCFAs help maintain general wellness. There are three main SCFAs: acetate, butyrate, and propionate.

The short-chain fatty acids can remain in the colon or travel throughout the dogs body. Either way, SCFAs play a critical role in your pets immunity and overall well-being. They can:

  • Form the mucus layer of protection in the gut.
  • Feed the good bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
  • Keep cell lining in the gut close together, thereby preventing leaky gut.
  • Build T-cells in the immune system, which helps reduce chronic inflammation.
  • Help in the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
  • Protect the dogs stomach from food allergens.

About 80% of a dogs immune system is in their gut! That means proper gut care is important to their health.

Probiotics For Use With Antibiotics

From time to time, our pets may need to go on a course of antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. Depending on the type of infection and antibiotic used to treat it, antibiotics work in one of two ways either by killing bacteria or stopping bacteria from reproducing. While this can resolve the infection, antibiotics unfortunately cant tell the difference between good and bad bacteria, meaning good bacteria will be killed along with bad bacteria. This can upset the ecosystem of friendly bacteria in the gut microbiome.

To help preserve balance of the good bacteria while on antibiotics, your vet may recommend probiotics for use with antibiotics. There are certain strains of probiotics that are not affected by antibiotics one such strain is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae var. Boulardii. Look for this strain in a probiotic if your dog is on antibiotics, which you can find in ZamiPet Probiotics+ Gut Protect for dogs.

This approach can be particularly useful in the treatment of skin issues such as dog pyoderma or hot spots . Using probiotics in this case helps to support the gut microbiome while the antibiotics work to treat and heal the skin. This approach also helps prevent gastrointestinal upsets caused by antibiotics.

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How Antibiotics Harm The Microbiome

Antibiotics have the same effect on the microbiome as bulldozers in a rainforest. They destroy everything in their path.

A few organisms in the microbiome are resistant to some common antibiotics. Many are not. This means that antibiotics kill the beneficial organisms as well as the bad ones and that leads to dysbiosis and exposes your dog to some of the diseases listed earlier.

And it isnt just antibiotics that can harm these beneficial organisms. Your dogs microbiome is also sensitive to many other drugs and foods. One example is a proton pump inhibitor drug called omeprazole. This drug helps suppress stomach acid, in both humans and dogs. While further studies are needed, this drug has already been linked to dysbiosis .

Other Beneficial Dog Digestive Suggestions

Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains

Many dog owners use CBD oil and other CBD products to support the digestive tract health. CBD is in hemp plants and the best products dont contain any synthetic additives.

There are different ways to give your dog CBD, like CBD oil, CBD dog treats, and CBD soft chews. CBD oil helps decrease discomfort and swelling in your dogs intestines. It can help calm your dog and minimize the environmental stress that may lead to digestive problems like diarrhea. CBD can also help to relax the muscles, aiding in easier digestion. Sometimes, it is hard to get dogs to take CBD oil for dogs. Thats where CBD treats and CBD soft chews come in with plenty of flavor and the same great benefits.

Other health benefits of CBD products for dogs include:

  • Boosts appetite
  • Aids nervousness

As with any other changes in a dogs diet, it is important to consult with your vet first before taking drastic actions.

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When Should I Give My Puppy Probiotics

You should give your pup probiotics when dealing with digestive problems, usually diarrhea, or when in need of a quick immune boost.

Lets take a look at the situations in which you should use probiotics for puppies:

  • Stress-Triggered Diarrhea. Puppies are gentle creatures and may experience stress-triggered diarrhea during weaning, traveling to their new home, or adjusting to the new family. In these situations, the use of probiotics is more than helpful.
  • Diet Changes. Finding the right puppy food requires some trial and error. Sudden changes in the diet result in stomach upset vomiting, and diarrhea. If you plan on trying new food, start giving your pup probiotics before the switch. Keep using until the puppy adjusts to the food.
  • Worm Infestations. Intestinal parasites or simply worms are a widespread issue in puppies. It is advisable to use a probiotic supplement following the deworming treatment. Probiotics may help with some parasites. Plus, they will help the digestive system recover from the infestation.
  • Antibiotic Use. Antibiotics kill microorganisms, and prolonged use reduces the population of good bacteria. Puppies are prone to infections and often subdued to antibiotic treatments. In such cases, it is a good idea to pair antibiotics with probiotic supplements.

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