The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies

Fur babies with dry, itchy, rashy, red, patchy skin, or another other sign of doggy allergies, may benefit from probiotics for dogs. In fact, dogs are more likely to have skin issues from allergies than the sneezing and watery eyes humans get. However, any sort of doggy allergy may benefit from the regular intake of probiotics.

In this article we will take a quick look at the benefits of probiotics for dogs--and it actually goes far beyond healthy skin or allergy issues! 

Read on to find out how aging, stress, behavioral issues, digestive health, joint health and overall health can all also benefit from a healthy doggy microbiome.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are good bacteria. Just like the good stuff in yogurt, keifer, kombucha and fermented foods, good bacteria helps a mammal body. Recent studies on humans show that 70-80% of immune system function might depend on these good bacteria, the “biome” (habitat) or “microbiome” (tiny habitat) in the gut.

That’s why if you take an antibiotic, you might have been given the advice to take a probiotic during and/or afterward. You might even just know that eating yogurt or drinking kombucha regularly is super good for you!

Well, dogs are mammals, just like us. Though there’s not yet as much veterinary research on the topic, we can assume that dogs need good bacteria for health, just like humans.

What About Prebiotics?

You might have also heard the term “prebiotics.” What are prebiotics? Prebiotics are the nutrients which help feed good bacteria (probiotics). Mostly, fruits and veggies contain these nutrients. 

So mammals need good bacteria (probiotics) and food for the good bacteria (prebiotics) to have their best health. 

How Do Probiotics Help Dogs?

Okay, so probiotics help the microbiome of dogs, and prebiotics feed the probiotics. How does that help your dog?

Given the research, as well as the experiences of pet owners, probiotics seem to help in many ways, including:

• Promoting good digestion - good bacteria helps break down food, which helps nutrients absorb better and digestion to be more consistent.
• Treating constipation - with probiotics your dog will usually be more “regular.”
• Treating diarrhea - improved gut health improves digestion, whether your dog goes too much or too little or just has inconsistency.
• Boosting the immune system - much of the immune system comes from the gut, as discussed in the sections above. Taking a probiotic is, therefore, one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy.
• Increasing longevity - with a better immune system and better health, your beloved fur baby may live longer.
• Improving healthy fur/coat - digestion and allergies both play a role in coat health, and both benefit from probiotics.
• Decreasing allergies - allergic responses stem from a reaction in the immune system, so by improving the immune system, one can decrease allergic reactions.
• Improving behavior - the stress of not feeling well may be making your furry companion act out. With regular probiotic use and improved health, your fur baby has less physical stress, which often leads to better behavior.
• Encouraging better joint health, better dog agility - the immune system may also play a role in joint health, so giving your dog probiotics can keep them moving more freely, even as they age. It’s never too late to start improving immune health!
• Boosting health after surgery or antibiotics - this one is important! If your dog has had surgery or taken an antibiotic for any reason, you may be able to speed recovery by giving them probiotics. Do this after you have completed any required antibiotics, as an antibiotic will just kill the good bacteria too.

As you can see, treating your dog with probiotics has many, far reaching effects. Since a natural probiotic is not a drug, there really aren’t any consequences to worry about when using probiotics as directed.

You can always check with your veterinarian before giving any new food, treat or medicine to your dog.

What Probiotics Can I Give My Dog?

Give your dog their daily dose of good bacteria with our Probiotic Gut Health CBD Treats!

Not only do they have the probiotics your pooch needs, but also cold-pressed full spectrum hemp oil and CBD. These probiotic chews contain prebiotic ingredients too, like yellow peas. Combined, these ingredients are the best probiotics for dogs with allergies on the market!