Probiotics for Small and Large Breed Dogs: How to Choose and Use?

How Probiotics Work for Dogs:

The intestines of any animal, like humans, are inhabited by various strains of pathogenic, beneficial, and opportunistic flora. As long as the number of microorganisms remains in dynamic equilibrium, the digestive system functions smoothly, food is digested and absorbed properly. The pet feels good and pleases the owners. When the balance is disrupted, pathogenic flora begins to actively multiply, colonizing the intestines. As a result, there is a disruption in food absorption, problems with defecation arise, and the dog's overall well-being deteriorates. Probiotics for dogs work in the following way:

• inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic flora;
• normalize digestive processes;
• participate in the production of vitamins necessary for the pet's well-being;
• strengthen the body's immune defense.

When Probiotics Are Prescribed:

Probiotics for dogs are indicated as part of complex therapy for various diseases. The veterinarian selects the medication based on the severity of the pathological process, the age, and size of the pet. Probiotics for large breed dogs, small animals, and puppies are recommended in the following cases:

• treatment with antibiotics, antibacterial agents;
• use of chemotherapy drugs for oncological processes;
• food and non-food intoxication;
• stress;
• treatment of helminthic infestations;
• weakened immunity;
• acceleration of regenerative processes after surgical intervention;
• changes in diet, feeding;
• separation from the mother, early weaning of puppies from the mother;
• artificially fed puppies;
• inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, liver conditions;
• violation of healthy eating principles.

The frequency of giving probiotics to a dog depends on the animal's diagnosis. The duration of the course, frequency of administration, and the need for preventive use of these medications are determined by the treating veterinarian.

Best Probiotics for Dogs:

The best probiotics for dogs are the ones prescribed by a veterinarian based on indications and considering the medical history, size, and age of the animal. The medications come in various pharmaceutical forms. These can be tablets, powder added to milk or water, solutions. Some can be added to food, while others are given to the pet 30-40 minutes before feeding. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions before use. Universal products:

• Bactoneotim - manufactured by Veda company, Russian Federation. It is available in tablet form. The recommended dosage is 1 tablet per 10 kg of the pet's weight.
• Evitalia-Vet - a complex symbiotic preparation containing probiotics and prebiotics. For large animals, 3-4 tablets per day are recommended, for small ones - 1-2 tablets.
• Veda-Lactoferon - a complex preparation containing lacto- and bifidobacteria, extracts from medicinal herbs. For small animals, 1 tablet per day is prescribed, for puppies - 0.5 tablets. The medication can be mixed with milk.
• Veda-Lactobifid - contains lacto-, bifidobacteria, streptococci, which make up the normal microflora of the animal. The dosage is 1 tablet per 10 kg of the pet's weight twice a day.
• Neooferon - contains lactose, a complex of 13 medicinal plants. It normalizes the microflora, boosts the body's immune system. The effective dosage for small breed dogs is 1 tablet per day. For large dogs, the amount of the medication is calculated individually based on the animal's weight.
• Zoonorm - a complex of dried bifidobacteria and crushed activated charcoal. It is used for intoxications of various origins. It suppresses the activity of opportunistic flora, simple microorganisms such as proteus, shigella. It promotes the production of B-group vitamins. It can be used for animals of any age and size. It can be used to make a fermented milk drink. Probiotics for small breed dogs only differ in the amount of beneficial flora in one dose of the medication. A typical representative is the symbiotic "Acti-Dog". It is recommended for puppies, adult small breed dogs. It is available in powder form, which can be added to milk, used to make fermented milk drinks. The cost of such specialized products is higher than that of universal analogs.

Probiotics for Dogs. Price:

The cost of the medication depends on the geographical location of the pharmacy and the number of tablets in the package. The price of popular medications is as follows:

• Bactoneotim - 90 rubles, pack of 10 tablets.
• Evitalia-Vet - 380 rubles for 30 tablets.
• Veda-Lactoferon - 70 rubles for a pack of 20 tablets.
• Neooferon - 43 rubles, bottle of 10.
• Zoonorm - 127 rubles. Pack of 10 sachets with 10 doses each.
• Acti-Dog - 149 rubles. Box with 5 packets of powder. Which probiotic to give to a dog? The cost of the medications varies. But when making a purchase, it is important to consider not the price of the probiotic, but the indications for its use and the veterinarian's recommendations. Only in this case will the medication bring the expected benefit to the pet.

  FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Question: How to choose a probiotic for a dog? Answer: To do this, you should consult a veterinarian to prescribe the correct and beneficial probiotic.