Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea

When confronted with the problem of diarrhea, probiotics for dogs may be the right course of action to get things cleared up and get your dog back to normal. It is considered a healthy, normal form of treatment. 

What Probiotics Are

Probiotics are a form of live, natural bacteria that are usually ingested orally. They are, essentially, supplements of good bacteria in your dog's body; that is, bacteria that helps your dog rather than harms him.

When taken, probiotics colonize in the intestinal tract of your dog. When certain conditions (stress, parasites, etc.) disrupt the normal function of the digestive system, the bacteria levels can be upset. Diarrhea, for example, kills off a lot of the 'good' bacteria. Probiotics assist in leveling the microflora of your dog's intestinal tracts, reducing bacterial movement over the lining of the intestines, and decreasing permeability. 

Probiotics sound a lot like antibiotics, with one major difference. Probiotics put the good bacteria back in, while antibiotics kill off bad bacteria—and can harm good bacteria at the same time. If your dog has been on a round of antibiotics, it couldn't hurt to put them on a probiotic supplement to make sure their insides don't get too upset.

For a live, natural bacteria to be able to be classified as a probiotic, it must meet some standards, such as: 

  • Safety
  • Effectiveness
  • Be able to colonize in the intestinal tract
  • Be able to survive passage into the intestinal tract
  • Be able to continually be effective during its lifespan

Treating Diarrhea with Probiotics

There are many different kinds of probiotics. One that is known as Bifidobacterium animalis, or AHC7, will shorten the length of time that your dog suffers from diarrhea. It can be used with or without antibiotics, depending upon what is the cause behind your dog's diarrhea. 

Where to Find Probiotics

Probiotics for your dog can be found in many forms and they do not always require a prescription. They are available in pill, powder or liquid form. Some commercial dog foods even have a certain level of probiotics in them. Check your local pet store to find out what they can offer to you and read over the labels of the food that you buy for your dog to see if probiotics are a part of the contents. Of course, probiotics are best when they have no harmful chemical additives. 

Prevention with Probiotics

Adding probiotics to your dog's daily diet can lessen the likelihood that your dog gets diarrhea from factors such as stress. As when making any change to your dog's diet, though, be certain to consult a professional first so that you know it's the right choice to make for your animal.  

When Not to Use Probiotics

If your dog has diarrhea that is the symptom of a more serious problem—such as a intestinal disorder—then probiotics will not cure that problem. It may mask the symptom of the diarrhea, but the disorder will remain behind, so it is important to know the cause behind your dog's diarrhea before you rely solely upon this method of treatment. 

 

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