Probiotics Overdoses in Dogs
Excessive amounts of probiotics are required before any symptoms of overdose will occur in a dog. In canines, probiotics are available in several forms including pills and tablets. In the rare event that a dog does overdose on probiotics, you should seek veterinary care for him.
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Identification
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According to LiveForDogs.com, probiotics are a group of bacteria that live within the gastrointestinal tract. These probiotics, often referred to as "friendly" or "good" bacteria, aid in a canine’s digestion.
Overdose Symptoms
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Generally, probiotics are considered beneficial for dogs with issues such as constipation or diarrhea. However, a probiotic overdose can in fact cause the dog to suffer from diarrhea.
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Dosage
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The dosage for an overdose can vary from dog to dog, depending on the dog’s size. For example, if the dog should be given one tablet per day for every 10 pounds he weighs, then simply giving a 10-pound dog two or three tablets in a single day may result in an overdose.
Misconceptions
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Many people assume that an overdose of medications or supplements can easily prove fatal to dogs. Fortunately, with probiotics, this is not the case. These bacteria would be unable to survive long enough in the gastrointestinal tract to build up and cause your pet any serious health issues.
Warning
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Probiotic products for humans and canines should not be mixed, as each product is formulated for a specific species. Giving dogs a human probiotic may cause side effects or it may be ineffective in the dog's system, depending on the particular product.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit the dog image by Alexey Khromushin from Fotolia.com
