The benefits and harms of probiotics for dogs are similar to those of probiotic supplements for humans. Canine probiotics can help regulate a dog’s intestinal and digestive health, as well as promote healthier fur and skin and increase energy. Probiotics can even help with some yeast infections and rashes that your dog may experience. Often a dog’s symptoms get worse before they start to get better, and they may even develop symptoms they didn’t show before they started taking the supplements. Although probiotics generally do not require a prescription, it is always safer to consult a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues before starting a probiotic diet.
Some of the benefits of probiotics for dogs are similar to those of probiotics for humans, such as improved bowel health and digestive function. Probiotics can help regulate constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Other benefits include healthier skin and coat and better breathing. Canine probiotics can also help if the dog has a moulting problem or has experienced low energy. A veterinarian may recommend probiotics if a dog has a problem with excessive yeast growth or certain rashes.
While they can have side effects, probiotic supplements are generally not dangerous. These side effects can include digestive upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. The dog’s initial symptoms could get worse until his body adjusts to the probiotics. In addition, it can be difficult for the homeowner to administer probiotics, especially if they are in tablet form. At first, the owner may find himself in a trial and error period before finding the right probiotics for his dog and start seeing results.
In general, probiotic supplements of any kind do not require a prescription, and this includes pet probiotics. If the dog owner wants to try canine probiotics just for the health benefits, they can usually buy them over the counter at any pet store or through their website or catalog. However, if the owner wants to try probiotics for dogs to cure a particular health problem, you may want to see a veterinarian. For example, canine probiotics can help treat an unhealthy digestive tract in a dog, but only a veterinarian can tell whether or not there is a serious underlying health problem that is causing the digestive problem. The best interest of the dog is for his handler to take him to the vet for a thorough examination before taking the probiotics.
It is important for the owner to treat probiotics for dogs as he would with any type of supplement. For example, using and storing canine probiotics exactly as directed can help maximize their effectiveness and safety. If symptoms do not improve after the allotted time, the owner should discontinue use. If symptoms persist or worsen after discontinuation of use, the owner should make an appointment with the dog’s veterinarian. The veterinarian can then diagnose the problem, if he has not already done so, and choose another treatment.
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