Dog Diarrhea from Probiotics: Is the Product Faulty?

Understanding Why Your Dog May Experience Diarrhea After Taking Probiotics

1. Neglected Diet Issues

Diarrhea in dogs can stem from a variety of causes. When a dog experiences diarrhea after consuming probiotics, it's crucial to consider dietary factors first. Many dogs have sensitive stomachs, and consuming contaminated or indigestible foods can irritate the digestive system, leading to diarrhea. While probiotics can alleviate diarrhea, they may not be sufficient to stop acute symptoms. It's advisable to fasting your dog for half a day to ease the digestive burden. Then, feed them small, frequent meals of bland, easily digestible foods. If their condition doesn't improve, consult with a vet about administering pet antidiarrheal and antiinflammatory medications.

2. Existing Illness

Probiotics work gradually and gently. If a dog is already suffering from gastrointestinal issues like gastroenteritis, parvovirus, or canine coronavirus, probiotics alone may not suffice to alleviate diarrhea. As the condition worsens, the symptoms might intensify. Therefore, if your dog is in a disease phase, continue with the vet's prescribed medication in addition to probiotics, and avoid stopping the medication abruptly to prevent treatment delays.

3. Issues with the Probiotics Themselves

Dogs may experience diarrhea after taking probiotics due to problems with the probiotics themselves, which can be categorized into three scenarios:

(1) Inappropriate Probiotic for Your Dog: Different brands of probiotics contain varying strains and benefits. Some consist of a single strain, while others have a mix. Different strains can have different impacts on health, so it's essential to follow a vet's guidance when dealing with severe gastrointestinal issues and avoid switching medications without professional advice.

(2) Purchase of Counterfeit Products: Due to the chaotic pet medication market, there's a risk of purchasing counterfeit products. It's recommended to buy medications from hospitals or reputable brand official stores.

(3) Conflict with Medications: To prevent probiotics from being deactivated by antibiotics, it's typically advised to use probiotics at least 12 hours apart from other medications. Neglecting this timing can also lead to diarrhea in dogs.

When Is It Appropriate to Give Your Dog Probiotics?

Probiotics can be beneficial for dogs and can be consumed longterm, but even the best probiotics should be taken in moderation to prevent dependency and weaken the dog's digestive function.

Generally, if your dog exhibits symptoms such as picky eating, bad breath, constipation, soft stools, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, etc., probiotics can help regulate their gut. Puppies can take probiotics 12 times a day, with the dosage depending on their weight. Additionally, ensure that probiotics are mixed with lukewarm water, as hot water can kill the bacteria.

This article aims to shed light on why your dog might experience diarrhea after taking probiotics. Lastly, it's important to remind everyone that yogurt should not be used as a substitute for probiotics, as it contains a lot of sugar and additives that can add to the dog's digestive stress.