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Understanding Gut Health

Where Can You Get Probiotics For Dogs?

Where Can You Get Probiotics For Dogs?

So, you’ve heard what probiotics can do for dogs and want to give them a try, but the range of products can be intimidating. How can you make sure you’re buying probiotics from a reliable source—and that your pet will be getting the maximum health benefits?

Probiotics have many benefits for your pet, from supporting their immune system and settling upset tummies to reducing anxiety[1]. But, if you’re going to support your pet’s new positive daily health habit, you need to ensure you’re doing it right. Here are our top recommendations for where to buy probiotics for dogs.

1. Buy Direct From The Manufacturer

You might be thinking: why don’t I give my dog some of my own probiotics? Dogs have different nutritional needs and digestive systems to people, so the good bacteria in their gut differ from ours. For them to get the benefit, you’ll need to choose pet probiotics that are specifically formulated to reflect the healthy population of bacteria in a dog’s gut.

Buying a well-known, branded probiotic online—directly from the manufacturer—is a great option. It’s an easy way to be sure you have a genuine product.

When shopping for dog probiotics, use this handy checklist of questions to help you find the best products:

  • Is the product labeled as suitable for dogs?

  • Does it contain the right species of bacteria?

  • Does it include a high number of live bacteria (1-10 billion CFUs/kg)?

  • Is there evidence of scientific research proving its efficacy?

  • Is the expiry date clear?

  • Do dogs like it/is it easy to take? (Reading reviews can help you find this out.)

  • When it arrives, is the packaging undamaged?

Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics, which are a type of fiber and act as a food source for beneficial bacteria. Many products contain probiotics and prebiotics, which make them a convenient choice if you’re looking to add both to your dog’s diet.

2. Buy Online From Other Trusted Sources

Online pet pharmacies are a common place to look for probiotics, and many have a good selection. However, you don’t need a prescription to buy probiotics, so buying them from other trusted websites is also an option. Large, well-known companies such as Amazon are convenient and easy to use, but make sure you check for third-party sellers and follow the tips above to ensure you buy the right product. Reviews are also helpful if you’re worried about any element of the product or buying experience.

When your product arrives, check it’s within the expiry date and suitable for your dog. Counterfeit products do exist, so if something seems wrong, hold off giving it to your pet. Then speak to the manufacturer or trading standards to get further advice.

3. Buy From Your Veterinarian

Veterinarians love probiotics! They help support many systems, including the gastrointestinal and immune system, as well as the brain. Not only that, they’re also safe to use.

While probiotics might be more expensive at your veterinary clinic, they do come with the security of knowing you’re buying a veterinarian-endorsed product. You’ll also be able to ask for helpful advice. Even if you’re just stopping in to buy some, it’s likely veterinary staff will be able to give you a good idea whether your pet needs to see a veterinarian before you start using probiotics, or answer any other questions you may have. This makes them a particularly good option if you’re new to probiotics.

4. Buy From A Pet Store

Pet stores are another good option. Using our checklist, you should already have a fair idea of what to look out for. If not, staff may also be able to guide you to the right product. Pet stores are perfect for convenience and allow you to browse in person. Just remember that their products will not all be vet-recommended, and the price may sometimes reflect quality and efficacy, so it’s best to do your research first.

5. Use Natural Sources Of Probiotics

If you’re looking for natural sources of probiotics, yogurt containing live cultures seems like the obvious choice. But these might not be the best option for your dog as many are lactose-intolerant, so feeding them dairy products can cause digestive issues. You’re unlikely to reach the high concentrations of the right strains of bacteria using yogurt, so it also won’t be as effective as a dog probiotic. Many other foods high in probiotics are fermented and likely to upset your dog’s tummy. That’s why it’s always recommended that you use a probiotic product that has been specifically formulated for dogs.

And finally, you may have heard of fecal transplantation. This is where poop from one dog is placed into the intestines of another dog by enema. Sounds horrible? Well, we don’t recommend you do this at home! However, there is increasing interest in this technique for treating severe or long-term digestive issues in dogs[3], following its success in humans. Fecal transplants should be performed by your veterinary team using a health-screened donor dog, and only in suitable cases.

Final Thoughts

By following all this advice, you should be fully prepared to buy dog probiotics and kick-start your dog’s new healthy regime. The most important things to remember are to check you’re buying from a trusted seller and to read the labels carefully. If something seems wrong, don’t give it to your pet. Once you’ve found a probiotic that works for your dog, you can relax safe in the knowledge that you’re doing your very best for your pet.

FAQs

Can You Buy Probiotics Over The Counter? 

Yes! Probiotics are not prescription medications, so anyone can buy them over the counter.

Where Can I Find Probiotics For Dogs?

Try your local veterinary clinic, product websites, online pharmacies, pet stores, and trusted online retailers—you’ll find plenty of choice.

Which Probiotic Should I Buy Online?

The number of products is huge, so look for a well-established brand with research to support its use and efficacy. Protexin makes probiotics and other products to support your dog’s intestinal and general health, and is recommended by veterinarians.

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  1. Schmitz SS. Value of Probiotics in Canine and Feline Gastroenterology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. DOI 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.09.011
  2. Chaitman. J and Gaschen. F (2021) Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. DOI 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.09.012
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