Probiotics Side Effects

Probiotics side effects, it makes sense that probiotics would be an extremely safe supplement.

After all, when you give your dog probiotics, you are supplying your canine companion with beneficial microorganisms essential to maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

But all sorts of supplements that help in some situations can hurt in others. So it's understandable if you ask . . .

Are There Any Side Effects in Using Probiotics?

While probiotics side effects are uncommon and usually very mild, one can't say probiotics are entirely side effect free. Here are some probiotic side effects to look out for.

Digestive Disturbances

The most common probiotics side effect is flatulence. One of the problems probiotics are most commonly used to treat is also the most common side effect? Strangely enough, yes. But increased flatulence is rare, and usually only happens for a brief period of adjustment.

Another potential digestive side effect of probiotics is diarrhea. Again, probiotics are far more likely to help with this problem than to cause it, and the diarrhea will most likely go away very quickly even if you continue giving the probiotics.

Both of these probiotic side effects may be more likely if you give probiotics in yogurt. If your dog is lactose intolerant, the probiotics may or may not make up for the presence of lactose in the yogurt.

Overstimulation Of The Immune System

While the anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal benefits of probiotics can be very helpful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, it is theoretically possible that probiotics could overstimulate the immune system in some cases.

If your dog suffers from an autoimmune disease, you should consult your veterinarian before beginning probiotic supplementation.

Other Possible Side Effects

Finally, there are two studies of note indicating negative probiotic side effects for humans in very specific cases.

In a Dutch study, probiotics seemed to be harmful to patients suffering from acute pancreatitis. And in Australia, children under the age of six months were more likely to develop allergies if given probiotics, probably due to excessive stimulation of the immune response.

Even though no similar results or anecdotal evidence exist for dogs, it's best to consult your veterinarian before giving probiotics to a very young puppy or a dog with pancreatitis.

Side Effects of Giving Dogs Human Probiotics

The canine and human intestinal tracts differ in some important ways. For this reason, I recommend that dogs be given probiotic supplements especially tailored to their needs.

But in most instances, there are no adverse consequences to giving dogs human probiotic supplements, other than that you are more likely to get smaller benefits.

How Can You Make Sure You Don't Give
Your Dog Harmful Probiotics?

Unless your dog is in one of the very specific groups mentioned above, no probiotic supplements are going to harm your dog, and none are likely to cause negative side effects. The one thing you can make sure of is that you give your dog stabilized probiotics.

Stabilized probiotics can survive your dog's stomach acid, ensuring that they reach the intestine where they can begin to produce their beneficial effects.

Probiotics that have not been stabilized may not survive your dog's stomach, so they may be a waste of money. If a probiotic supplement requires refrigeration, it's a tip-off that it is not stabilized. And in such a case, keep in mind that it's not just your dog's stomach acid that could kill the non-stabilized probiotic, but simply inappropriate shipping and storage.