The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs

The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs: 

Improving Digestive Health and Overall Well-being

The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs:

Improving Digestive Health and Overall Well-being

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be happy, healthy, and thriving. One way to support their overall well-being is by incorporating probiotics into their diet. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer a range of health benefits, including improving digestive health and boosting the immune system. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of probiotics for dogs and how they can help your four-legged friend live their best life.

Improving Digestive Health

  • Probiotics are known for their ability to improve digestive health in both humans and animals. In dogs, probiotics can help to balance the gut microbiome and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This can be especially helpful for dogs with digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Boosting the Immune System

  • The gut is home to a large part of the immune system, and probiotics can help to strengthen it. By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, probiotics can help to fight off harmful pathogens and reduce inflammation in the gut. This can help to improve overall immune function and keep your dog healthy and strong.

Reducing Inflammation

  • Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. This can help to prevent and manage chronic diseases and support your dog's long-term health.

Reduce Anal Gland Issues + Scooting

  • When your dog's gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation, which can contribute to anal gland problems. When a dog has consistent, solid bowl movements, it expresses the anal glands more frequently and reduces the build up of fluid in the glands. By supporting digestive health and regularity, probiotics can help prevent these issues and reduce the risk of anal gland impaction or infection. Scooting in dogs can be a sign of anal gland discomfort or irritation, and probiotics can help to alleviate this issue and support the overall health of the anal glands. 

Supporting Mental Health

  • Believe it or not, the gut is also connected to the brain, and the microbiome can influence mental health and behavior. Probiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and anxiety in both humans and animals. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help to support your dog's mental health and overall well-being.

Maintain your dog's grooming, especially in the winter months 

Boosting the Immune System

  • Improving Digestive Health
  • Probiotics are known for their ability to improve digestive health in both humans and animals. In dogs, probiotics can help to balance the gut microbiome and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This can be especially helpful for dogs with digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Boosting the Immune System
  • The gut is home to a large part of the immune system, and probiotics can help to strengthen it. By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, probiotics can help to fight off harmful pathogens and reduce inflammation in the gut. This can help to improve overall immune function and keep your dog healthy and strong.
  • Reducing Inflammation
  • Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. This can help to prevent and manage chronic diseases and support your dog's long-term health.
  • Reduce Anal Gland Issues + Scooting
  • When your dog's gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation, which can contribute to anal gland problems. When a dog has consistent, solid bowl movements, it expresses the anal glands more frequently and reduces the build up of fluid in the glands. By supporting digestive health and regularity, probiotics can help prevent these issues and reduce the risk of anal gland impaction or infection. Scooting in dogs can be a sign of anal gland discomfort or irritation, and probiotics can help to alleviate this issue and support the overall health of the anal glands.
  • Supporting Mental Health
  • Believe it or not, the gut is also connected to the brain, and the microbiome can influence mental health and behavior. Probiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and anxiety in both humans and animals. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help to support your dog's mental health and overall well-being.

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs A Daily Probiotic? 

  • There are several signs that your dog may need a probiotic supplement to support their digestive health and overall well-being. Here are some common signs to look out for:
  • Upset stomach, nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Inconsistent bowel movements
  • Excess gas or stinky flatulence
  • Rumbling gut noises
  • Scooting (dragging rear end on grass, carpet, floor, etc.
  • Yeast (mouth, ears, belly)
  • Food sensitivities
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Inability to keep weight on
  • Skin and coat problems
  • Bad breath or body odor
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be worth considering a probiotic supplement to support their digestive health and overall well-being. However, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen for your pet.

How to Choose the Right Probiotics Supplement for Your Dog

  • Not all probiotics are created equal, and it's important to choose the right supplement for your dog's needs. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains a variety of strains of beneficial bacteria, and avoid supplements with added sugars or fillers. You can also talk to your veterinarian to determine the best probiotic supplement for your dog based on their individual needs and health history.

Incorporating Probiotics into Your Dog's Diet and Why Soft Chews are the Best Option

  • Probiotics supplements for dogs come in various forms, such as powders, capsules, or chews
  • Here at Wag Source, we believe giving dogs their daily probiotic in a soft chew format is the best option because: 
  • First, soft chews are easier to administer and can be given as a treat or added to your dog's food. This can be especially helpful if your dog is a picky eater or has difficulty taking pills or capsules. Soft chews can also be more convenient to carry around, making it easier to give your dog a probiotic supplement while on the go.
  • Second, soft chews often come in pre-measured dosages, which can help pet owners ensure that their dog is getting the right amount of probiotics for their size and needs. In contrast, powders may require measuring out the correct dosage, which can be time-consuming and less precise.
  • Finally, soft chews may have a more appealing taste and texture for dogs, making them more likely to take the supplement willingly. This can be especially important for picky eaters or dogs with digestive issues who may need a probiotic supplement to support their health. The added bonus of a soft chew is that you can crumble the chew into their meal or break into smaller pieces if your dog is a smaller breed with a more petite mouth.
  • Overall, soft chews can be a more user-friendly option for pet owners who want to incorporate probiotics into their dog's diet. They are easy to administer, pre-measured, and often more palatable for dogs than powders.

Probiotics can offer a range of health benefits for dogs, including improving digestive health, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting mental health. By choosing the right probiotic supplement and incorporating it into your pet's daily diet, you can help them live their healthiest, happiest life. 

Wag Source Digestive Aid probiotic soft chews combines stomach soothing natural ingredients with a Prebiotic and 5-strain Probiotic to regulate gut bacteria, manage yeast, and reduce scooting and excess gas. Our soft chews are safe for dogs of all sizes, with a dosage of 1 soft chew per day for dogs 75lbs and under and 2 soft chews per day for dogs 76 lbs and up! A list of the active GMO-free, Soy-Free, Grain-Free and Corn-Free ingredients in our Digestive Aid soft chews are below: 

  • Ginger Root Powder (125 mg) - this well-known root serves as a digestive aid for upset stomach, nausea, bloating and excess gas, and contains beneficial anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant properties
  • Pumpkin Seed Powder (100 mg) - this nutrient rich superfood packs antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A + C, which improves digestive regularity and boosts the immune system, and contains potassium and iron to assist in metabolism and weight management
  • Papain (50k gdu) - a natural enzyme found in papaya that helps your pet naturally digest food proteins and absorb their nutrients more easily, aiding in stomach sensitivities, flatulence and overall gut health
  • Bromelain (30k gdu) - an enzyme derived from pineapple to promote healthy, regular digestion, improve absorption of nutrients and help break down and digest proteins
  • 5-Straing Probiotic Blend (1B cfu) - enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, lactococcus lactis and lactobacillus reuteri, aid in bowel problems, improve digestion, increase vitamin absorption and maintain a healthy gut balance

SAVE 25% OFF WAG SOURCE DIGESTIVE AID SOFT CHEWS WITH CODE: WSGUTHEALTH25


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Disclaimer: The blogs/articles on our website are written for suggestive or informational purposes only and are based on personal experiences. They are not written by a licensed veterinarian or intended to be medical advice for you or your pet. Outside of Wag Source, we are not paid or affiliated with any product, service or business in this post and own all rights to the images contained herein. Please consult with a veterinarian or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related questions or concerns you may for your pet. We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.