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The best probiotics for dogs

Dogs may suffer from upset stomachs, irregular digestive motility, and weak immune systems. Luckily, probiotics for dogs solve all of these issues and more, including skin problems and joint pain, depending on the brand. We’ve looked into the top probiotic canine supplements here to help you discover the right one for your fur baby.

Dogs’ probiotics contain live bacteria cultures that help their digestive and immune system function well. This means probiotics aren’t just for rumbly stomachs, but for dogs with allergies or senior dogs who may need more protection against sickness.

Most probiotics come in chewable forms dogs are familiar with, so they’re often packed with fiber for more digestive support. Other probiotics are available as a powder you can sprinkle onto your pet’s bowl with their regular food, and this is best for dogs with a particular taste or dogs that have weaker jaws. Let’s get down to business and see which probiotics are best for your pet.

Purina Pro Plan Probiotics Dog Supplement

Best Overall

Purina’s probiotics supplement is the best overall choice recommended by professional veterinarians for dogs of all ages. It’s ideal for treating diarrhea through a probiotic that helps reset your pet’s intestinal microbiome. A daily powder packet makes it easy to keep track of doses and to administer to pets.

Zesty Paws Probiotics For Dogs

Best for Stomach

Zesty Paws’ supplement is best for promoting stomach health by providing relief for common issues like bloating, loose stool, indigestion, and general stomach irritation. It contains 3 billion colony-forming units of healthy gut bacteria, which is plenty enough to bolster immune systems and fight allergies.

Amazing Nutritionals Probiotics For Dogs

Best for Hip Joint

The Amazing Nutritionals supplement is the best choice for hip joint pain, so your senior dog or pet with bone issues can find some relief. Nutritious ingredients like probiotics, yeast, and chondroitin also promote healthy skin, fur, and digestion.

Probiotics for dogs are your pet’s best defense against upset tummies, undeveloped immune systems, and chronic allergies. Some brands even offer joint pain relief and skin and hair growth support all in a little chewable tablet. No matter which supplement you choose from our list, you’ll notice a big difference in your dog’s digestive and immune system, thanks to an effective probiotics formula proven to keep your dog in top shape.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
4 reasons why your dog might need a diaper (and which kind you should get)
When considering dog diapers, you need to think first about their purpose
Dog gets a green reusable diaper

Most dog owners luckily never need to reach for the diaper bag — we potty train our puppies and often enjoy the results for their whole lives. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to invest in dog diapers. Some of these are passing conditions, but as your pet ages, you may find that dog diapers become a part of your routine. It sounds a bit unpleasant, but with a little help, you can tackle it.
Why might my pet need them?
While most dogs will hopefully never have to wear any, they could wind up in doggie depends, temporarily or for life. Some pet parents use diapers when they know they won't be able to let their animal out to potty -- on a long plane ride for example. That's a good time for a one-off. Here are a few reasons you might need to stock your drawers with dog diapers.
They've gotten older
As pets age, sometimes incontinence sets in (and it could happen to you, too). This comes from the muscles of the bladder getting weaker and not performing as well, meaning a little bit of pee leaks through. It's much more common in female dogs, but can happen to any pooch.
She's in heat
Not totally unlike when a human has monthly bleeding, you might spot a bit of bloody discharge from a female dog in heat (fortunately, it doesn't happen as often, only a couple times per year). She also may urinate more frequently or even scent mark during this time.
He needs to be fixed
Before neutering, male dogs often mark, sometimes almost constantly, particularly if they can smell a female dog in heat nearby. If you're choosing not to neuter, you'll have to use a belly band a lot, though sometimes dogs can be trained out of this behavior with time and dedication.
They have a health condition
If your animal suddenly starts losing control of their wee, it's likely something simple, such as a urinary tract infection. Some long-term conditions like Cushing's disease, diabetes, and kidney problems could also be the issue. Work with your pet care team to ensure that a diaper won't interfere with topical medication or spread bacteria.

What kind of diaper should I get?
There are a few different kinds out there, depending on exactly what issue you're working on with your pet. Many male dogs, especially if they are really just scent marking, will require a . Female dogs in heat likely require a , but don't worry, there's a little hole for the tail. Do a bit of research including buying one kind and seeing if it works. Try to be as sustainable as possible and purchase cloth options that can go straight into the wash when possible.

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Ditching the pure breeds? Here’s how to find the right mutt for your family
Here's why a mixed-breed dog might suit you perfectly
A Chihuahua mix looks at the camera

We talk a lot about the official breeds around here, including the recently crowned most-popular dog, the Frenchie. But that ignores a huge subset of the pup-ulation: the mutts. You've probably met (and loved) all kinds of mutt dogs in your life. In fact, they make up a little over half of the dogs in the U.S., so you likely see more of them in your day-to-day life. Whether they're designer or pound pups, you might discover the perfect fit for your family in a mixed breed.

What is a mutt dog?
A mutt is any dog that is not an official pure breed, meaning one that has registered papers with two parents of the same breed. In the U.S., we have the American Kennel Club that determines which dogs fall under official breed guidelines and can ultimately compete or go on to make official baby dogs.

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Smooches or stress? There are a few reasons your dog might lick you
Why dogs love to lick their owners
A pit bull terrier licks a woman's face

Licking is such a fundamental part of dogs, and dog ownership, that we frequently take it for granted. Whether you tolerate or hate it, it’s impossible not to notice your pup’s wet tongue when they decide it’s time to give you a bath -- though it’s not always clear what exactly they’re up to. You might get tongue kisses every day from your pooch, but that doesn't mean that this behavior always indicates a good thing.
Specifically, why do dogs lick their owners’ faces? This is a common phenomenon that nearly all pet parents will experience at one time or another, and it’s easy to see why it raises some questions. Face licking — or licking in general — can range from completely random and infrequent to constant and obsessive, so it’s important to pay attention to your furry friend’s specific behaviors when asking why. Here’s what to consider when your dog starts licking your face.

Where does licking come from?
It's thought that humans kiss on the mouth because it was an old method of feeding children. The principle remains the same in pups. Dog moms lick their puppies and the babies lick their littermates and sometimes mamas as well. This is a natural part of play, and it's a good way to discover the world for a fresh beast.

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