Probiotics are generally safe and beneficial for dogs, particularly in promoting a healthy gut and improving immune function. However, when first introduced, some dogs might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea. This side effect often occurs as the dog's digestive system adjusts to the new bacteria introduced by the probiotic supplement. The diarrhea is usually temporary and should resolve within a few days to a few weeks as the gut microbiome stabilizes.
Let’s explore some of the top probiotic products from Under The Weather, how they support your dog’s gut health, and what to consider if diarrhea occurs.
Can Probiotics Cause Diarrhea in Dogs? Support Your Dog’s Digestive Health
Probiotic Powder for Dogs
The Under The Weather Probiotic Powder is an all-natural, veterinarian-formulated product designed to promote healthy digestion. This probiotic powder is especially beneficial for dogs experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, or weak immune systems.
Key benefits:
Contains live bacteria to balance gut health and support immune function.
Includes pumpkin and ginger, which help soothe the stomach and firm up stools, reducing discomfort from diarrhea.
Features Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus coagulans, strains known for their effectiveness in maintaining digestive health.
Easy to use—simply mix the powder with your dog's food.
This product is perfect for dog owners looking for a versatile probiotic to maintain their pet's digestive health and prevent future gastrointestinal issues.
Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These tasty soft chews offer a convenient way to incorporate probiotics into your dog’s daily routine. Designed to promote a healthy appetite and digestion, they are especially useful for dogs that may be averse to powders or pills.
Key benefits:
Each chew contains 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of live bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, and Enterococcus faecium.
Helps to maintain the right balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
Manufactured without corn, artificial flavors, or dyes, making them a healthy choice for pets with sensitive stomachs.
These chews are particularly great for dogs that suffer from gastrointestinal issues or for those who need a little extra digestive support.
Ready Balance Probiotic Gel
The Ready Balance Probiotic Gel is a fast-acting supplement designed to quickly restore your pet’s digestive health. This product is ideal for emergencies where your dog may be suffering from sudden diarrhea or stress-induced digestive upset.
Key benefits:
Packed with live beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome, restoring digestive health rapidly.
The gel format allows for quick administration, making it a convenient choice during times when your dog refuses to eat or drink.
Can be used in conjunction with other digestive support products like the bland diet offered by Under The Weather.
For pet owners looking for an immediate solution to digestive problems, this gel offers quick relief.
How Do Probiotics Work for Dogs?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. The primary function of these bacteria is to aid digestion and nutrient absorption while preventing harmful bacteria from proliferating. By enhancing the gut microbiome, probiotics play a critical role in keeping the digestive system functioning properly. For dogs suffering from gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, probiotics are especially beneficial because they can help restore this delicate balance.
The most commonly used strains for dogs include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. These strains help combat harmful bacteria and promote better digestion and overall gut health. When choosing a probiotic for your dog, look for products that specifically list these strains and provide a guaranteed number of live bacteria at the time of expiration.
Probiotics are particularly useful for dogs recovering from illness, undergoing antibiotic treatment, or dealing with chronic digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
During antibiotic treatment, probiotics help mitigate the impact on the gut by replenishing the good bacteria that may be destroyed alongside harmful bacteria.
Potential Side Effects of Probiotics
While probiotics are generally safe, they can cause side effects as your dog’s gut adjusts. Temporary diarrhea is the most common side effect, but bloating and increased gas may also occur. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. If your dog experiences prolonged discomfort or severe side effects, such as persistent diarrhea or vomiting, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian immediately.
If side effects like diarrhea occur when using probiotics, consider switching to a bland diet for a few days. Under The Weather’s Bland Diet offers a gentle solution to calm your dog's stomach while their gut adapts to the new probiotics.
Another potential side effect is constipation. Although rare, some dogs may experience constipation if their gut microbiome is disrupted by an imbalance of bacteria introduced by probiotics. Keep an eye on your dog's bowel movements and adjust the dosage if needed. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct amount to administer based on your dog's size.
Why Diarrhea Happens with Probiotics
Probiotics introduce new beneficial bacteria into the gut, which can temporarily disrupt the existing microbial balance. This disruption may cause diarrhea as the body adjusts. If diarrhea persists, reduce the dosage or switch to a different probiotic strain, such as one containing Bifidobacterium animalis, which has been shown to improve recovery time from gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
Managing Diarrhea with Probiotics
Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to help your dog’s gut adjust. If your dog still experiences diarrhea, consult with a veterinarian to determine if a different strain or formulation would be better suited. Some probiotic strains, like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium, are particularly beneficial for dogs with digestive issues.
Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
In addition to resolving diarrhea, probiotics support the overall health of your dog by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This balance is crucial not only for digestion but also for immune health. Probiotics can help prevent future gastrointestinal problems and may even reduce allergies and skin issues.
When selecting a probiotic, it’s crucial to choose a product formulated specifically for dogs. Human probiotics may not contain the strains of bacteria that are most beneficial for canine gut health. Look for products that list the bacterial strains and guarantee the number of live organisms (colony-forming units, or CFUs) at the time of expiration.
In addition to the strain, consider the form of the probiotic. Probiotics come in several formats: powders, capsules, chews, and even dog food that contains added probiotics. Powdered probiotics may be more convenient to sprinkle over food, while chews may appeal to picky eaters.
Under The Weather offers easy-to-use formulations that can be administered with food. Their probiotics are specifically designed to support the gut health of dogs and cats, and they include strains proven to promote digestive balance.
How to Incorporate Probiotics Into Your Dog's Routine
Introducing probiotics gradually can help minimize the risk of diarrhea or other side effects. Start by administering a small dose and observe your dog's reaction. If no adverse reactions occur, gradually increase the dosage to the recommended amount over several days.
If your dog is currently on antibiotics, it’s especially important to supplement with probiotics to help restore their gut health after antibiotic use. Be sure to separate the probiotic from the antibiotic by at least two hours to prevent the antibiotic from killing the probiotic bacteria.
For ongoing maintenance of gut health, consider incorporating probiotic supplements into your dog’s daily routine. Consistent use of probiotics can help reduce the recurrence of digestive issues and support long-term gut health.
Additional Benefits of Probiotics
Beyond promoting digestive health, probiotics offer a host of other benefits. They can improve skin conditions, reduce allergic reactions, and enhance immune function. By supporting the gut microbiome, probiotics also contribute to better absorption of nutrients, which is vital for overall health and well-being.
Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies may benefit from probiotics, as they can help reduce gut inflammation, which is often linked to allergic reactions. Additionally, probiotics can help mitigate the effects of stress, such as diarrhea, by stabilizing the gut.
When to See a Veterinarian
While probiotics are a safe and natural way to promote gut health, they are not a cure-all. If your dog’s diarrhea persists for more than a few days, or if it becomes severe, consult your veterinarian. Prolonged diarrhea could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention, and your veterinarian can help determine the most appropriate course of action.
It's also important to seek veterinary advice if your dog has a compromised immune system or other chronic health issues before starting probiotics
Conclusion
While probiotics can sometimes cause mild diarrhea in dogs, this is usually a temporary adjustment period. By introducing probiotics slowly and monitoring your dog's response, you can help them reap the long-term benefits of a healthy gut microbiome. Pairing probiotics with Under The Weather’s reliable and effective products can support your pet’s recovery from digestive upset, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
