Do probiotics help dogs with anxiety?
As devoted pet parents, we constantly seek ways to support our pet’s well-being, especially when they struggle with anxiety. It’s heartbreaking to see our dogs in distress and we often turn to various remedies to ease their discomfort. When it comes to managing our dog’s health, especially their emotional well-being, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Incorporating probiotics for dogs with anxiety have become an increasingly popular option for our pet’s gut health and emotional regulation. This is because probiotics offer many benefits to our pets, including suppressing anxiety and supporting their mood and behaviour. So, yes! Probiotics are helpful for dogs with anxiety. So, let’s learn more about how they help, and which probiotics are best for dogs with anxiety.
How to tell when your dog is anxious:
Understanding anxiety in dogs is crucial for their well-being, as it can manifest in various signs and symptoms. Our furry friends might not have words to express their feelings, but they sure have their ways of telling us they’re stressed. Recognising these behaviours early on is essential, as it allows you to address their needs and help them feel more secure and relaxed in their environment.
Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:
Excessive barking
Pacing, or even a case of the "zoomies" all of which can indicate they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Clinging to you like a shadow
Drooling
Hiding under the couch
Chewing on anything they can find—goodbye, favourite shoes!
Changes in appetite
Excessive grooming can also signal anxiety. (1)
Just remember, every dog has their quirks, and recognising these signs is the first step to helping them chill out and enjoy life a little more!
Can probiotics help my anxious dog?
Probiotics can be incredibly beneficial for dogs with anxiety by promoting a well-functioning digestive system, which plays a crucial role in overall health and mental well-being. A healthy gut environment can enhance digestion and indirectly improve your dog’s mood and reduce anxiety. Research shows that the gut-brain axis (how the gut and brain communicate) means that a balanced microbiome can positively influence behaviour. Probiotics help modulate stress responses by regulating how a dog reacts to various situations, potentially reducing anxiety levels. A balanced gut microbiome supports the immune system, and when a dog feels physically well, it can greatly impact their emotional state.(2)
When selecting probiotics for your anxious dog, it's important to choose a high-quality product specifically designed for pets. Look for dog probiotics that contain strains known to benefit canine health, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. These strains have been studied for their positive effects on gut health and stress management.(2)
Additionally, consider products that provide a guaranteed analysis of the active cultures and check for the absence of artificial additives or fillers. Consulting your veterinarian can also guide you in choosing the right probiotic that fits your dog's specific needs, ensuring they receive the best possible support on their journey to a calmer, happier life.
Big Dog Probiotics Support Anxiety:
Our Big Dog Stress and Anxiety probiotic is a natural dog probiotic, specifically designed to support dogs dealing with anxiety. This probiotic blend promotes gut health, which is closely linked to emotional well-being. By balancing the microbiome, it helps reduce stress-related behaviours and promotes a calm demeanour in dogs. Additionally, the probiotics can enhance overall digestive health, ensuring that your pet feels their best, both physically and mentally. This holistic approach makes it a valuable tool for pet owners looking to alleviate their dog's anxiety. The key ingredients and beneficial bacteria in this product were chosen to create a formula that supports stress and anxiety.
Key Probiotic Ingredients For Dogs With Anxiety:
Bifidobacterium longum can have an anxiety reducing drug effect on anxious dogs. Bifidobacterium longum is a beneficial probiotic for dogs with anxiety that supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to mood and behaviour. This probiotic helps regulate stress responses, making dogs less reactive to stressful situations and potentially lowering their anxiety levels. It also strengthens the immune system and aids digestion, contributing to overall physical health. Studies found that when supplemented with this probiotic, 90% of dogs had less anxious behaviours and 75% of dogs had lowered heart rates in response to anxiety-provoking stimuli.(3)
Lactobacillus acidophilus is another great probiotic for dogs with anxiety, as it helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for emotional well-being. This strain can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to better overall health. By supporting a balanced gut environment, Lactobacillus acidophilus may help regulate stress responses, making dogs less sensitive to anxiety triggers.(4)
Raw Feeding and Anxiety:
Diet plays an essential role in managing anxiety in dogs by influencing their overall brain function and mood. Nutrient-rich foods (especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins) can enhance mental well-being by supporting brain health and reducing inflammation. Raw diets, which focus on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and natural vitamins and minerals, can boost cognitive function and help maintain stable energy levels — both crucial for emotional balance.(5)
A diet high in processed foods may worsen anxiety symptoms, as it often lacks the necessary nutrients. Additionally, raw foods typically avoid artificial additives and preservatives, which can sometimes trigger sensitivities or food intolerances linked to anxiety.(5)
Establishing a consistent feeding routine and offering balanced meals can also help stabilise blood sugar levels, further reducing stress-related behaviours. Feeding dogs a raw food diet can significantly aid in managing anxiety by providing essential nutrients that support overall brain health and mood regulation. By aligning with a dog's natural dietary needs, a raw food diet can significantly improve your dog’s mood and reduce anxiety.(5)
You can read more about Raw Feeding and Behaviour here.
So, do probiotics help dogs with anxiety?
Yes! Probiotics can be a paw-some addition to your dog’s toolkit for managing anxiety! These little gut heroes work to support a happy belly, which in turn can help improve your dog’s mood and reduce anxiety. While they won’t magically make all the worries disappear, adding dog probiotics to your furry friend’s diet (along with plenty of cuddles, a cozy home and a healthy diet) can help create a calmer, more relaxed dog Remember, every dog is unique, so it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet before trying something new. With the right support and a sprinkle of love, you can help your dog live their best, most tail-wagging life!