Probiotics for dogs: What they are & what they do

If your dog has delicate digestion, it’s likely that you’ve been on the look-out for ways to soothe their sensitive tummy. Maybe you’ve tried special diets, pet foods, or visited your vet? But did you know that probiotics for dogs can play a role too? So what are probiotics, and how can they support your dog’s digestive system?

What are probiotics for dogs?

Ever eaten a live yoghurt or drank goats milk? That’s a probiotic. But when we talk about dog probiotics, we mean live microorganisms which – when given in the right amount – result in a health benefit on the host. There are hundreds of different species and probiotic strains of good bacteria in the gut, but the probiotic Enterococcus faecium E1707 is the EU-registered strain that’s best for dogs and cats. This is the probiotic found in our YuMOVE Digestive Support range of dog probiotics.

How can I tell if my dog needs probiotics?

The most obvious signs to watch out for are runny poos and lots of wind. However, there are some less obvious things to watch out for too. Lack of appetite, a dull coat and poor overall health can also be signs that their digestion isn’t in tip-top health.

What do probiotics do for dogs?

Probiotics can help support your dog’s digestion by topping up good bacteria and helping maintain a balanced gut microbiome. They can also support stool quality, digestion and the immune system, helping to keep everything feeling settled from top to, well… bottom. 

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How do probiotics for dogs actually work?

Some of the benefits of probiotics and how they work, include supplementing good bacteria in the gut, helping to restore and stabilise levels of these amazing little useful microbes. They also out-compete the ‘bad’ bacteria for sources of energy in the intestine, reducing the numbers of bad bacteria. This action can be complemented by the addition of soluble fibres called ‘prebiotics’. These bind and remove harmful bacteria that can cause digestive upsets, whilst feeding the good bacteria. Read our guide to the benefits of fibre for dogs.

Probiotics are the ‘fighters’ – they contain beneficial bacteria that work to eradicate ‘bad’ bacteria.

Prebiotics are the ‘support team’ – they’re made with substances helpful for microbial growth in the gut. They don’t get digested, they just promote healthy bacterial growth. A mixture of prebiotics and probiotics is known as a symbiotic – they work together to help get your dog’s tummy back on track.

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Probiotics are live “good” bacteria that help support a balanced gut microbiome. Prebiotics are what those good bacteria feed on, helping them grow and do their job. In simple terms, probiotics top up good bacteria, while prebiotics help nourish the good bacteria already in your dog’s gut.

YuMOVE products that include probiotics:

• YuMOVE Digestive Support Pre & Probiotic for Dogs – Daily digestive support to help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support stool consistency
• YuMOVE Digestive  Support Probiotic & Fibre for Dogs – A high-fibre topper with probiotics to help keep stools consistent and digestion on track
• YuMOVE Digestive  Support Anal Gland Health Bites – Supports gut balance and digestion, helping to keep stools firm for healthy anal gland function
• YuMOVE Digestive  Support Rapid Paste for Dogs & Cats – With fast-acting ingredients and probiotics to support recovery after digestive upset
• YuMOVE Digestive  Support Rapid Powder for Dogs & Cats – A convenient powder with pre and probiotics to help firm stools and re-establish gut balance
• YuMOVE Skin & Coat  Support Itch & Immune Daily Bites for Dogs – Supports gut health and immunity with pre, pro and postbiotics, alongside skin and coat support
  

In summary

There are two different ways to use dog probiotics. You can use a daily supplement like YuMOVE Digestive Support Pre & Probiotic Tablets for Dogs to support digestive health, keep stools firm and increase ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. This approach is ideal for dogs who’re prone to digestive challenges. Read about the best YuMOVE probiotics for dogs.

But what if your dog has, ahem, a very sensitive tummy? Try a veterinary strength complex of gut-supporting probiotics and prebiotics like YUMOVE Digestive Support Rapid Powder. This supplement quickly restores the balance of your dog’s gut. It gets to work topping up good bacteria, binding bacteria and toxins, and helping your pet get back to normal, fast - and if you need to, you can even use it long term.