Vets Say Probiotics Can Help Pets With Some Health Issues

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Probiotics aren't just for people. Some vets have recommended the supplements for pets, to help with a variety of health problems.

At Mary Piro's house, probiotics are a staple in the diets of her horses and dogs.

"Feeding probiotics has helped in a lot of different ways," she said.

Piro said she adds probiotic tablets or powder to her animals' food to, help with gastrointestinal problems.

Chicago veterinarian Dr. Barbara Royal said "probiotics are super important in general health care."

She recommends probiotics for several conditions.

"I will use it specifically for dermatitis problems, GI (gastrointestinal) problems, any kind of loose stool, or constipation," she said. "Any health issue; chronic ear infections, dental disease."

Probiotics work by adding good bacteria to the gut, which benefits the immune system.

Dr. Korinn Saker, a clinical veterinary nutritionist, ran studies on dogs in animal shelters who had GI problems.

"The dogs that were put on the probiotic actually resolved faster, and improved to a more significant and greater degree than those animals that were put on the traditional antibiotic," Saker said.

If you do buy probiotics for your pets, be careful which ones you choose. A study tested 15 probiotic supplements and only four met or exceeded the product's label claim for the amount of "viable organisms," or good bacteria.

If you're considering using probiotics for your pet, talk to your vet about which brands and types of probiotics might be beneficial. Different strains of bacteria can be helpful for different conditions.

"There are singular strains, and combination strains, and a veterinarian can decide what to give," Royal said.

If your dog or cat is healthy, do you probably do not need to add a probiotic supplement to their diet.

"I think that running to the store and purchasing probiotics is probably not the best use of your dollars," Saker said.

If there's a health problem, Royal said pet owners are usually pleased with probiotics.

"They see results from them, and they're always happy they used them," she said.

Piro said, "I think now we're giving pets the same advantage that we've used in humans for years."

Royal said it's possible to overdo probiotics, so consulting a vet is a good idea. She also said some pet foods, such as fresh green tripe, can also improve probiotic levels in the gut.