Studies Suggest That Probiotics May Help With Your Dog’s Skin Itchiness & Allergies

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Itchy skin and allergies can leave dogs uncomfortable and pet parents searching for gentle ways to provide extra support. Research suggests that probiotics for dogs may help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which plays a role in healthy immune function and may also influence skin health. Understanding the connection between dog probiotics, gut health, and allergic responses can help you decide whether they may be a useful addition to your dog’s wellness routine. Probiotics have exploded in popularity in recent years. In fact, an NIH survey shows they’re now the 3rd most popular natural supplement people take. Related: 12 Best Probiotics for Dogs While most people and pets are first given probiotics for digestive reasons, recent human and animal studies have begun to show promise in use with patients suffering from allergies. Let’s review some of the evidence to-date: What Do The Studies Say? A 2017 study by the University of Florida showed that participants given a probiotic suffered from fewer allergy-related symptoms during an 8 week experiment. [1] ...