Probiotics are among the most widely discussed supplements in pet health today, but what do they actually do and which pets benefit most? At iScreenPets, we believe in science‑led, personalised care. Probiotics can be valuable, but they are most effective when chosen and used intentionally.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when given in adequate amounts, offer health benefits to your pet. Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces. They support health by:
- Competing with harmful bacteria
- Strengthening the intestinal lining
- Modulating immune responses
- Producing beneficial metabolites such as short‑chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
What the Research Shows
Improved Digestive Health A 2020 review in Frontiers in Microbiology showed that prebiotic and probiotic interventions significantly improved stool consistency and reduced gut inflammation in dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Behavioural and Gut-Brain Benefits A 2021 randomised trial in healthy dogs found that synbiotic supplementation shifted gut microbial diversity and reduced occurrences of diarrhea
Dysbiosis and Microbiome Health The 2022 review in Veterinary Clinical Pathology confirms the gut microbiome functions like a metabolic and immune organ. It also introduces the Dysbiosis Index—a quantitative tool that monitors microbial health over time
When Are Probiotics Most Useful?
Probiotics may be beneficial if your pet experiences:
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhoea
- Constipation or variable stool consistency
- Flatulence or signs of digestive disturbance
- Itchy or inflamed skin
- Stress-related behaviours
- Recent antibiotic or steroid treatment
- Or during life transitions such as diet changes or ageing
They may also be useful preventively in puppies, senior pets, or animals under stress.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
Effective probiotics share these key features:
- Strain specificity – e.g. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Guaranteed CFUs at use date
- Veterinary-formulated products
- Proper storage instructions (refrigeration if needed)
At i-screenPets, we use microbiome testing to tailor your pet’s needs and recommend the most appropriate strains and doses.
Why Testing Before Treating Is Essential
Giving the wrong probiotic or using a generic supplement without data may not only be ineffective, it may disrupt balance further.
i-screenPets recommends starting with a microbiome test to identify imbalances, inflammation, or dysbiosis. This approach allows us to recommend targeted interventions, monitor progress, and adjust when needed.
The Takeaway
Probiotics have promising potential in modern veterinary care. But their success depends on choosing the right strain, dose, and timing, backed by data. With a test‑first, personalised strategy, probiotics can enhance gut health, immunity, and overall well being for your pet.
Curious if probiotics are right for your pet? Start with a microbiome test from i-screenPets and get tailored insights to guide smarter, science‑driven choices.
- Pilla, R., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2020). The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, Article 498.
- Tanprasertsuk, J., Jha, A. R., Shmalberg, J., Jones, R. B., Perry, L. M., Maughan, H., & Honaker, R. W. (2021). The microbiota of healthy dogs demonstrates individualized responses to synbiotic supplementation in a randomized controlled trial. Animal Microbiome, 3, Article 36.
- Suchodolski, J. S. (2022). Analysis of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 50(Suppl 1), 6–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13031