IT (MIGHT NOT BE) RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE!

You know that feeling that something isn’t right with your pup? You notice things are different and might not be threatening enough for a vet visit. Still something isn’t right. So here you are standing in front of your dog trying to decide what to do. Which brings you here to this article. Thanks for joining us, I think we can help you. 🙂

Here’s the scoop.

Just like humans who might not follow the strict guidelines of the food pyramid, sometimes our dogs aren’t getting the right amount of natural enzymes his body needs. These enzymes, or probiotics/prebiotics, are not only essential for regular healthy bowel movements, but other aspects of the body as well. Probiotics bring healthy bacteria into the body and help fully absorb nutrients. While prebiotics feed the probiotics so they can live longer in your gut.

Here are some signs your dog could use a probiotic:

• Digestive issues – Unhealthy stool is a common culprit of probiotic deficiency.
• Bad breath – Smelly breath can be a sign of a yeast overgrowth (candida), which is a sign of a bacterial imbalance. Probiotics help lower/kill off the bad bacteria causing the bad smell.
• Eye-tear staining– If your dog is tearing a lot, he may have a poor diet and stomach issues.
• Poor coat – A poor coat or excessive shedding can be a sign of allergies or poor digestion. Probiotics will help get rid of toxins and waste in the body, so the coat can be healthy again.
• Problematic skin – Red, blotchy skin can be a sign of yeast overgrowth (candida), especially if it smells bad. Dry, flaky skin is a sign of malnutrition. Probiotics help fight off the bad bacteria while helping the body absorb nutrients, so the skin is healthy again.
• Ear infections – Reoccurring ear infections can be a sign of a yeast overgrowth.
• Antibiotics – If your pup is on strong antibiotics, it’s good to give him some probiotics as antibiotics can be harsh on a pup’s gut.

Sources of Probiotics

Typically, pro/prebiotics are given to dogs as supplements or additives to their feedings. It makes it easy to control the portion sizes and ensure your pup is getting a balanced diet.

Here are the best ways to add probiotics into your dog’s daily diet:

• Yogurt – Yogurt is full of probiotics, also known as “live” cultures. It can help with diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting, and help balance your dog after an antibiotic treatment.
• Soft cheese – Fermented cheeses, such as Swiss, Gouda, and cheddar, contain lactic acid bacteria that kill back bacteria, help absorb nutrients, and relieves constipation.
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk is full of live cultures; it should be served cold straight from the carton.
• Probiotic capsules or chews – Probiotic capsules or chews help promote the growth of good intestinal bacteria. Ark Naturals’ Gentle Digest Capsules and Gentle Digest Soft Chews are helpful for issues with gas, and smelly stools.

Signs and symptoms can be hard to spot, however, nobody knows your pup better than you do. With the tips and tricks we share you’ll have a happy and healthy pup in no time! Happy tummy, happy life