Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies: Dosage, How to Choose the Right One

Probiotics for dogs are live species of bacteria and yeasts that enhance dogs' health. Probiotics supplement the gut microbiome, a complex set of microorganisms in the intestines. The gut microorganisms maintain physiological balance within the dog’s body, such as intestinal homeostasis, defense against intestinal pathogens, nutrient uptake, and digestion.

The goal of probiotics for dogs itching is to increase the skin microbiome by increasing the gut microbiome. Probiotics enhance the immune system of dogs. Increasing skin microbiome exhibits a healthier skin and coat for dogs with less prevalence of allergies. There are natural probiotics for dogs with allergies, such as yogurt, green tripe, and buttermilk.

Everyday supplementation of the correct probiotics for dogs improves overall health for certain dog allergies. There are many types of allergies in dogs, such as inhalant allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies. The contents of the probiotics must be screened to ensure that the dog’s specific allergens are not in the mix, worsening the condition.

How can Probiotics Help Dogs with Allergies?

Probiotics help dogs with allergies by adding diversity to their gut microbiome. The gut microbiome comprises several species of microbes that affect digestive function. Probiotics for allergies supplement the gut’s microbial ecosystem to increase the microbes on the skin.

The skin of healthy and allergic dogs has disparities in microbial species richness. The skin of dogs that are allergic “have lower species richness when compared to healthy dogs,” according to the study by Hoffman et al., titled “The Skin Microbiome in Healthy and Allergic Dogs,” 2014. The research finding is a basis for probiotic use for dogs with allergies. The consistent supplementation of gut bacteria increases skin microflora, resulting in healthier skin.

Probiotics boost certain aspects of the immune system in dogs. The effect of probiotics in dogs is “enhanced the level of serum IgG, IFN-alpha, fecal serum IgA, and reduced TNF alpha,” according to the study by Xu et. al., titled “Oral Administration of Compound Probiotics Improved Canine Feed Intake, Weight Gain, Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota”, 2019. The study concludes that the immune-boosting capacity of probiotics helps dogs with allergies.

How do I Choose the Right Probiotic for your Dog with Allergies?

The steps to choose the right probiotic for your dog with allergies are listed below.

Determine the kind of allergy. Take the dog to the vet to determine the type of allergy and determine if probiotics negatively affect their condition. Some dogs must undertake strict dietary restrictions for diagnosis and treatment and should not ingest any other supplements. The owner should identify foodborne allergies in dogs to avoid them.

Read the complete ingredient list. Read the full list of ingredients in the probiotic product. Ensure it contains live bacteria in high amounts (Colony Forming Units). Avoid formulations containing the dog’s allergens. Look at the guaranteed analysis and type of bacteria present. Research unfamiliar ingredients and ensure they are safe for the dog’s condition.

Buy from reputable brands. Only buy from brands that are certified safe and true to their claims. Check the probiotic products for third-party laboratory testing. Read the contents of industry reports and cross-reference their packaging. Review the brand’s policies and the companies who formulate and test the products.

Consult a veterinarian. Talk to the vet about giving probiotics to dogs with allergies if unsure about the best solution. The vet considers the type of allergy and interactions with other medications and recommends safe and effective probiotics for the dog's specific needs.

How Much Probiotics should I give for My Dog with Allergy?

You should give your dog with allergy around 1-10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics daily. The dosage is the current recommendation for dogs according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter of the Riney Canine Health Center. High CFU numbers in a probiotic product are considered better. Probiotic-rich supplementation increases beneficial bacteria and decreases potentially harmful ones. The result is an improved microbiome for fighting infection and inflammation.

How Long Does the Probiotics Work for Dogs with Allergies?

Probiotics take several weeks to work for dogs with allergies. The main mechanism of probiotic action occurs in the gastrointestinal system, which takes more time to manifest skin benefits. Potent and high-quality probiotics are necessary to successfully establish good results for dogs. Severe conditions with secondary infections require more time for full resolution, even with the help of probiotics.

Is there a Probiotic Spray for Dogs with Allergies?

Yes, there is a probiotic spray for dogs with allergies. Many products featuring natural ingredients for topical allergy care in dogs are available. Probiotics as a topical medication are not scientifically established for their efficacy. A potent probiotic for dogs itching contains live microorganisms in high amounts that are freeze-dried and dehydrated, leaving them dormant. The live microbes are reactivated by moisture and humidity inside the gut.

Are there Natural Probiotics for dogs with allergies?

Yes, there are natural probiotics for dogs with allergies. Household items like yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, and sauerkraut are ingredients that are made into homemade probiotics for dogs. The foods contain live microorganisms like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bacillus coagulans. Monitor for signs of allergens in the dog before administering natural probiotics. Some dogs get digestive unrest when consuming large amounts of dairy.

How do I know if my Dog Needs Probiotics?

You know if your dog needs probiotics when they are constantly sick. Probiotics alone are unable to treat a disease entirely, but they help with recovery. Owners asking, “How to know if my dog needs probiotics?” must rely on behavioral and physical cues the dog presents. Inappetence, lethargy, inactivity, and irritability indicate the dog's ill health. The best use for probiotics is gastrointestinal-related (GI) diseases, as probiotics restore balance in the gut. A dog that is constantly sick requires prompt diagnosis from a veterinarian.

What are the Other Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs?

The other benefits of probiotics for dogs are listed below.

Improves Digestion. A healthy gut microbiome requires a variety of beneficial bacteria. Food changes cause problems with digestion as the gut attempts to adjust to the formulation. Probiotics hasten the microbiome's acclimation to new diets and promote the digestion of nutrients.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections. Lactobacillus spp bacteria is believed to restore the urogenital flora. The effect prevents UTIs from occurring by keeping the environment and normal acidity, thus making it harder for UTI bacteria to flourish.
Improves diarrhea. The intestine benefits from producing short-chain fatty acids that fight pathogens. Beneficial microbes that restore homeostasis mitigate damage from viral or parasitic gastroenteritis.
Correct bacterial imbalance. Long-term antibiotic use eradicates normal gut flora, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Providing probiotics for the dog restores the gut’s natural conditions and resolves associated symptoms.

What is the Best Probiotics for Dogs with Allergies?

The best probiotics for dogs is listed below.

Probiotics For Dogs With Prebiotics. Honest Paws’ Well Pre+Probiotics is one of the store’s best-selling products. Each pack contains 30 sticks of chicken-flavored dog probiotic powder with prebiotics for healthy gut, digestive, and immune support. The product contains prebiotics that serve as food for live probiotics, making it one of the best probiotics for dogs.

Can Probiotics Help Dogs with Peanut Allergies?

Yes, probiotics help dogs with peanut allergies. Dogs with an allergy to a single food source must avoid the allergen completely. Supplementing the dog’s diet with probiotics improves gut health and immunity. Choose probiotics that are peanut-free and contain no peanut derivatives as an ingredient. Always check the complete ingredient list before serving probiotics to dogs with food allergies.

Can I Give Yogurt to My Dog with Allergies?

Yes, you can give yogurt to your dog with allergies. Yogurt contains plenty of probiotics, milk, flavorings, fruits, sweeteners, and sugars. The ingredients incorporated in the yogurt often exacerbate allergies or cause poisoning. Dog owners must be aware of their dogs' allergies and avoid the allergen. Read the fine print in the yogurt packaging before serving and in moderation.

Can Probiotics Prevent Autoimmune Diseases in Dogs?

No, probiotics cannot prevent autoimmune diseases in dogs. The cause of autoimmune disease in dogs is not fully understood, but genetics and environmental pollutants are known factors. Probiotics are unable to stop the occurrence of autoimmune disease since changes in the gut microbiome do not influence genetics. Probiotics boost some aspects of immune system function, but they need to be well-established if they are beneficial for autoimmune diseases. Consult a veterinarian for autoimmune disease supplementation and management.

Are there Side Effects for Probiotics in Dogs?

Yes, there are side effects of probiotics in dogs. One of the most common side effects of probiotics in dogs is digestive discomfort or diarrhea from introduction to new microbes. Bloating occurs due to excessive probiotic supplementation, overloading the gut with bacteria, and producing excessive gas. Itching happens when a dog is given probiotics containing allergens in the formulation. Consult a veterinarian for proper supplementation of probiotics in dogs.