Introducing Probiotics, What to Expect

How Probiotics Work

If you're considering probiotics as a natural treatment or wellness supplement, you may be wondering how your dog might respond to the change in diet. Here's what you can expect for the first few weeks after introducing probiotics to your dog.

Week 1

INTRODUCTION

Be aware, your dog may have an increase of gas but this is only temporary! It's actually a GOOD sign!

Feel confident that you're doing something good for your dog. This is the time when you'll know if you're giving your dog the right product for him. The serving size amount should be tiny and disappear in the food undetected.

During the first week, as with any positive diet change, it is not uncommon for your dog to display cleansing or detoxifying type symptoms, such as, an increase in gas or changes in stools. In the right dosage, a little increase of gas is a good sign that activity in the gut is increasing.

That said, if it appears that your dog isn't tolerating the introduction of probiotics well (diarrhea, watery stools, vomitting), you may have the wrong product, or the wrong dosage. When this happens, cut the recommended dosage to half or a quarter, then increase the amount slowly over the next 7-10 days.

Week 2

OBSERVATION

Your dog's colon and digestive tract are still in the balancing process. Toxins and pathogenic bacteria are being purged. You may notice an increase in elimination. In some dogs, stools may be a bit softer temporarily.

Stick with the same dosage you gave during week 1.

If your dog is still having trouble with gas, keep the dosage low this week. If you haven't seen any changes, and your dog is handling the change well, you can increase the dosage, too.

Week 3

GETTING INTO THE ROUTINE

Your dog should be starting to adjust to the introduction of probiotics. Keep the dosage steady, splitting the doses morning and night is a good practice. If your dog is recovering from antibiotic therapy, or has a gastrointestinal disorder, this is a good time to start increasing the dosage.

Weeks 4-5

SEEING IMPROVEMENT

Many people see improvments with their dogs in the first couple weeks of introducing probiotics, especially if enzymes are included. But by 4-5 weeks, problems like diarrhea or loose stool will likely be gone by now. In fact, many people, by 4 weeks, report that their dogs have firmer, more regular stools and decreased gas. Even skin issues are starting to clear up!

Weeks 6-8

FORTIFIED AND BALANCED

This is the magic moment of for your dog on probiotics. Most dogs will display naturally improved health from the new healthy balance of intestinal flora. Not only will your dog's digestive health be dramatically improved, but dogs display a more vibrant coat, and hydrated skin by this time.

Week 8 and beyond...

FLOURISHING

Giving your dog probiotics every day has fortified your dog's digestive system and powered up his immune system system as well. Allergies, itching, and scratching should be minimized or, in many cases, completely gone.*

Make sure you continue to give your dog probiotics daily to help your dog's health flourish for years to come.

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