Gut health is a hot topic right now, and it’s not just for humans. More and more owners are wondering if dog probiotics could help their furry friends. But do dogs really need probiotics? And if so, which ones are best?
As a vet, I get asked about dog probiotics all the time, and it’s an area I’m really interested in. It seems that the gut microbiome – previously just thought to affect gut health – is actually responsible for a whole host of other body processes, so keeping it healthy is essential. In this guide, I’ll explain what probiotics are, how they work, and when they might benefit your dog. I’ll also cover possible side effects and how to choose the right probiotic for your pup.
What Are Probiotics for Dogs?
Probiotics are live “friendly” bacteria that help keep your dog’s gut healthy. Your dog’s digestive system is home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. We call this the dog microbiome. When this delicate balance is disturbed – by illness, antibiotics, or stress – your dog may get an upset tummy or other health issues. Dog probiotics work by replacing ‘good’ bacteria to help to restore this balance.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics (Short answer: they’re different!)
Lots of people get probiotics and prebiotics mixed up. So what’s the difference?
- Probiotics are live bacteria that help restore balance in the gut.
- Prebiotics are non-living fibres that act as food for these good bacteria.
Many dog probiotic supplements combine both probiotics and prebiotics – these are called synbiotics. You may also come across the term ‘postbiotics’, which is what’s left when the microbiome ‘eats’ the prebiotics. These can have beneficial effects for your dog. If your dog is struggling to maintain a healthy microbiome, supplementing with the postbiotics can help to reduce symptoms, but it won’t target the cause of the problem – an unhealthy gut microbiome.
Signs Your Dog Might Need Probiotics
Some dogs naturally have a well-balanced gut, while others struggle with digestive issues. It’s thought genetics, birth, and early environment all play a role in the development of the microbiome. Then age, diet, stress, environment, and medications (particularly antibiotics) continue to impact the microbiome.
If your dog’s microbiome is disrupted, they might suffer from diarrhoea, bloating, or excessive gas. You might also see a range of skin symptoms, like skin infections or allergies. Fear and anxiety may also be linked to a poor microbiome. Of course, not every dog with these symptoms will benefit from dog probiotics, but a surprising number will. Dog microbiome testing is an option for you to see how healthy your dog’s microbiome is and whether your dog needs probiotics, prebiotics, or other interventions.
Do any other groups of dogs need probiotics? Dogs who are on antibiotics might also benefit from taking dog probiotics. Antibiotics ‘kill off’ the good bacteria in the gut, which can lead to overgrowth of the wrong kinds of bacteria. We call this ‘dysbiosis’. When scientists sample the dog microbiome before and after antibiotics, they can see huge changes, even months later.
Stress is another factor that can disrupt gut bacteria in dogs. If your dog is anxious, travelling, or staying in kennels, probiotics might help keep their tummy settled.
How to Give Your Dog Probiotics
Dog probiotics come in many different forms, including powders, chews, capsules, and probiotic-enriched food. Some dogs take them easily, while others might need their probiotic mixed into food. It’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase to the recommended dose to avoid any digestive upset.
When choosing a probiotic, it’s important to look for a vet-recommended product. A good probiotic should list the exact bacterial strains it contains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis. It should also guarantee the number of live bacteria present at the end of its shelf life. If a product only lists the bacteria present at the time of manufacture, there’s no way to know if those bacteria are still alive when you give it to your dog. You’ll usually see this stated as ‘CFUs’ (Colony-Forming Units)
I’ve written a separate article on the best dog probiotics, where I go into more detail on what to look for.
FAQs About Dog Probiotics
Dog owners often have a lot of questions about probiotics, so here are some quick answers to common concerns.
Can I give my dog human probiotics?
No. Dogs have different gut bacteria, and some human probiotics contain ingredients that could be harmful to dogs.
How long does it take for probiotics to work?
Some dogs show improvement within a few days, while others may take two to four weeks to see full benefits. It depends on the level of dysbiosis and other factors – like the number of bacteria in your dog probiotics, the type, and whether you’re also giving prebiotics or postbiotics.
Do probiotics stop dogs from itching?
There’s no guarantee that probiotics will stop dogs from itching because there are so many causes of itching in dogs. However, there is some early evidence that dysbiosis is common in dogs with atopic dermatitis, and probiotics might form part of a management strategy for these dogs. If your dog is itchy, you should contact a vet for investigations.
Can probiotics cause diarrhoea in dogs?
Yes, probiotics can cause diarrhoea in dogs, but it’s usually mild and temporary. If it lasts more than a few days, stop the probiotic and check with your vet.
Do vets recommend probiotics?
Yes, vets often suggest probiotics for dogs with diarrhoea, gut imbalances, stress, or those recovering from taking antibiotics. As a vet myself, I recommend dog owners try probiotics (along with prebiotics) for a number of conditions. Here’s my list of the best vet-recommended dog probiotics.
Can I give my dog probiotics every day?
Yes! Most dog probiotic supplements are designed to be given daily, but it’s always best to follow the recommended dosage on the probiotic you choose.
Can I make my own probiotics for my dog?
Humans often take natural probiotics in the form of yoghurt, kefir, or sauerkraut. However, it’s not necessarily a good idea in dogs. Firstly, they have a different microbiome, so dog probiotics are different to human ones. Secondly, many human foods are toxic to dogs. That said, a small amount of Greek yoghurt can be a natural dog probiotic, as long as it contains no further ingredients. It’s likely to be less effective than the best dog probiotics though.
Conclusion
So that’s everything you need to know about dog probiotics, including signs your dog needs probiotics, the benefits, and what to look for in a dog probiotic. Probiotics can be a great support for your dog’s gut health, but not all products are created equal. Always choose a vet-recommended probiotic and introduce it gradually. If your dog has ongoing tummy troubles, it’s always worth discussing it with your vet to find the best solution.
- Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics – What’s the difference? - February 28, 2025
- The Best Dog Probiotics (Vet Reviewed and Recommended) - February 26, 2025
- Dog Probiotics: What You Need to Know (According to a Vet) - February 24, 2025