probiotics Archives

5 Natural Ways To Boost Your Dog’s Immune System

Your dog’s immune system is like a security guard, constantly patrolling the body for potentially harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, then eliminating them before they can do harm. In order to effectively do its job, the immune system needs healthy maintenance and an occasional boost. The following 5 methods may seem pretty simple, but when it comes to immunity, natural methods are best. 1. Feed a Healthy Diet Just about every time we cover a canine health topic, proper … Read more

12 Best Supplements for Senior Dogs

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. The best senior dog supplements are essential for aging canines, but many dog parents don’t think about them. Older dogs are more likely to face health concerns than young canines, so finding ways to improve their physical well-being could be the key to helping them live longer happier lives. Senior dog supplements can benefit canines in many … Read more

Ask A Vet: Should I Give My Dog A Probiotic?

Everyone wants a magic bullet or something that will, in one fell swoop, stop aging or prolong life. As of yet, there is no one easy solution to all that ails us, but there are certain things when administered thoughtfully with professional advice may have some benefit. Probiotics may be one of these items. Probiotics (literally “in favor of life”) are living organisms intentionally introduced to provide a beneficial effect. As far back as 1910, an early scientist named Elie … Read more

Does Your Pup Have Greasy/Fatty Looking Poos? This Could Be Why…

Does your dog’s poop look different lately? Your dog’s feces are a huge indicator as to what’s going on with his overall health, so any change is important to note. While unusual poop or diarrhea should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian if it doesn’t clear up within a couple of days, poop that looks greasy or fatty may indicate that your dog isn’t digesting his food properly. What could be causing that, and what can you do … Read more

4 Ways Your Dog Might Benefit from a Probiotic

Our bodies contain microorganisms that live in our stomachs and intestines, and our dogs have them too. They benefit our dogs by breaking down the food they eat into vitamins and minerals they can absorb. These microorganisms also keep their digestive tracts healthy and working properly. There are different kinds known commonly as “good” and “bad” microorganisms, but really, a healthy digestive tract will contain all of them in amounts that are balanced in a way that keeps everything running … Read more

A Perfect Pairing: How Omegas & Probiotics Can Help Ease Allergies

Since the release of our iHeartDogs probiotic chews for dogs, people have been asking whether or not they should switch their dog to that from the Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews to help control their dog’s allergies. While each product individually can help reduce symptoms of allergies, the products work differently and actually work best in conjunction with each other to reduce your dog’s itching and scratching. Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation. Inflammation can cause all sorts of health problems including allergies, arthritis, inflammatory … Read more

If Your Dog Is Under Stress, Consider Adding A Probiotic To Their Diet

With a dog bed in every room and no job or obligations to worry over, it’s hard not to be jealous of your dog’s care-free lifestyle. Their lack of responsibility seems blissful, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to stress. Dogs get stressed out just like humans do, and like us, high stress levels can seriously affect their health and well-being. Counting to 10 and meditating won’t work for a stressed-out dog, but adding probiotics to your dog’s diet is … Read more

If You’re Not Feeding Your Dog A Raw Diet, They Are Likely Missing This Vital Nutrient

Commercial dog food companies would like you to believe that their food is nutritionally complete and provides everything your dog needs to be healthy. Sadly, the bar for a “nutritionally complete” meal for dogs is appallingly low. Sure, it will keep your dog alive, but it’s missing a variety of nutrients that are killed during the high heat processing and are, at best, sprayed down with synthetic vitamins at the end of the manufacturing process. If you aren’t feeding your … Read more

The Top 6 Ways To Give Your Pup The Probiotics He Needs

Approximately 70% of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut, so it is extremely important to their overall wellness that digestive health is maintained. For this reason, veterinarians often recommend probiotics for their canine patients in addition to a healthy diet. Related: 12 Best Probiotics for Dogs (+1 to Avoid) Probiotics balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut in order to protect the dog’s natural defenses, promote digestive heath, and keep the body working to its full potential. … Read more

The 5 Most Popular Anti-Aging Supplements for Dogs

As our dogs age, they undergo many of the same changes as humans. Their metabolism slows, potentially causing weight gain; the cartilage in their joints breaks down leading to osteoarthritis; their delicate immune systems become more susceptible to disease; and many experience the heartbreaking symptoms of canine dementia. While we cannot stop time, we can help slow its effects with the right combination of diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care and high-quality supplements. The following five supplements are among the most … Read more

6 Surprising Issues A Probiotic Can Help Your Dog Cope With

Probiotics are popular among humans, but did you know they can also help your dog? To be clear, feeding your companion probiotics formulated for humans is not recommended — the healthy flora in the gut is different in humans and dogs. But with that said, the benefits of taking a species-specific probiotic supplement are very similar! How can probiotics help my pooch? Probiotics are known for supporting gut health, which starts a ripple effect: regular, solid bowel movements, happier tummies, … Read more

Traveling With Or Boarding Your Dog? This Cheap Supplement May Prevent Yucky Poops

If you frequently board or travel with your dog, you may have noticed that he’s prone to diarrhea during or immediately after these experiences. These stressful situations can easily upset your dog’s digestive system. Sure, you can add pumpkin to your dog’s diet for a few days to help get things back to normal, but wouldn’t you prefer to try to avoid your poor pup suffering from diarrhea in the first place? Luckily, there is a supplement you can give … Read more

The Easy (Natural) Trick To Helping Your Pup Overcome Diarrhea

Whether your dog’s bouts with diarrhea are frequent or limited to periods of stress, you want to help your dog feel better as quickly as possible. While chronic, unexplained, or mucous-covered diarrhea warrant trips to the vet, there is one thing you can do to help your dog overcome occasional diarrhea and recover more quickly. You may be taking probiotics yourself, but did you know they can be just as beneficial for your dog as they are for you? New … Read more

Can Probiotics Help My Dog’s Stinky Farts?

If your dog can clear an entire room with noxious flatulence, it’s time to do something about the stench. Their extreme gas assaults the senses, and it’s also giving your pup serious tummy troubles. The reason why your dog’s farts are especially nauseating could be due to diet or how fast they eat. Lucky for your sense of smell, dog probiotics are the secret weapon to help stop the stink. Probiotics are microorganisms also known as “good bacteria.” They’re essential … Read more

This Inexpensive Supplement Is Showing Promise for Dogs with Itchy Skin

More and more research is showing us the incredible impact that gut health has on all aspects of wellness. And although we don’t fully understand the mechanism, there does appear to be a link between the GI system and allergies or food intolerances in dogs. In 2015, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by the NIH showed that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus sakei given for 2 months significantly reduced the disease severity of dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis. (We’ve also … Read more

Can Probiotics For Dogs With Allergies Help?

Dog Probiotics For Allergies Probiotics have exploded in popularity in recent years. In fact, a survey done by the NIH shows that they're now the 3rd most popular natural supplement taken by people. Related: 12 Best Dog Probiotics While most people and pets are first given probiotics for digestive reasons, recent human and animal studies have begun to show promise in use with patients suffering from allergies. Let's review some of the evidence to-date: What Do The Studies Say About ... Read more

10 Times Probiotics Are Especially Beneficial To Your Dog

Up to 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so maintaining digestive health means far more than just preventing upset bellies and loose stools. Related: iHeartDogs Rates the Best Probiotics for Dogs Probiotics replenish the levels of healthy bacterial flora in the GI tract and prevent the “bad” bacteria from taking over. Dogs with unbalanced flora levels experience digestive problems and are more susceptible to illness. In general, probiotics are a healthy addition to your … Read more

Probiotics For Dogs – What Every Owner Needs To Know

By now you have surely heard of the many health benefits probiotics offer humans, but did you know they are also incredibly beneficial for dogs? Although most often associated with digestion, adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can also boost the immune system, support liver health, and improve skin and coat appearance. What are probiotics for dogs? In 1989, Dr. Roy Fuller set the currently accepted definition of a probiotic as “a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host … Read more

7 Common Causes And Cures For Doggy Diarrhea

There are a variety of causes for diarrhea in dogs. While some can be quite serious – like certain cancers and diseases of the liver, pancreas or heart – most are relatively harmless if treated promptly. The following 7 factors could account for your dog’s loose stools. Luckily, there are tried and true methods for treating each issue and restoring your pup to full health. Note: Holistic veterinarian, Dr. Ihor Basko recommends that all dogs with diarrhea undergo fecal testing prior … Read more

Does Your Dog Eat Poop? This Simple Addition To Their Food Bowl Can Make All The Difference

Believe it or not, coprophagia (eating poop) is considered a “natural” behavior in dogs. But natural does not always mean healthy! Dogs that regularly ingest the waste of other animals are at higher risk for intestinal parasites and infectious diseases. This behavior could also indicate an existing medical problem such as a lack of adequate digestive enzymes and intestinal microflora. Many owners trust that commercial pet foods provide all the nutrients their dogs need for proper digestion and overall health. Unfortunately, this … Read more

3 Vet-Recommended Supplements For Senior Dogs

Although dietary supplements can be beneficial at any stage of life, many people don’t start thinking about giving them to their pets until they reach their senior years. This is the time when we are reminded of their mortality as we notice signs of arthritis and that telltale gray muzzle. With so many products on the market making different promises, it’s hard to know which ones are safe, let alone helpful for your senior pooch. Dr. Marty Becker has been … Read more

6 Solutions For Your Dog’s Dry Coat & Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body and the very first sign of health you see when you look at a dog. Pups with shiny, lustrous coats just give off an air of wellness compared to those with dull, flaky, brittle hair and skin. Not only is dry skin unsightly, it’s also itchy and uncomfortable for your dog. Although soothing baths can help, healthy skin really starts from within with proper vitamins and nutrition. If you find yourself … Read more

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