amieaiello2266 asked 1 week ago
Can probiotics improve bulldog shedding, allergies, and ear infections?
My husband purchased a popular competitor probiotic for our English Bulldog who has suffers from allergies, shedding and ear infections.
He takes them twice daily and we are 6 weeks in and I’ve seen zero improvement.
They sold my husband into believing he should be taking them for at least 3 months before we know if they are working or not and I think that’s really ridiculous.
Especially when Henry’s energy level has dropped since starting them and his thirst has increased quite a bit.
Those are the only changes I’ve seen.
I’m very interested in trying your probiotics and fish oil and immune support chews.
My question is: how long on average does it take before you see improvement, if any?
Thanks in advance
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 16 hours ago
Answer for Probiotics Impact on shedding allergies and ear infections?
Great question, Amie!
Before we can give you a solid answer, I’ll need a bit more detective work from you. Could you please share:
- Photos: A photo of your bulldog, and include one with any visible skin/ear concerns 📸
- Age: Age of you bulldog
- RX: Any current meds 💊
- Diagnostic Tests: Any recent test results (blood work, urine, thyroid, ear cytology) if you have them.
- Itching: Is the itching constant?
- Distribution: Where are the bald spots or lesions?
- Otitis: Is the ear infection in one ear or both?
Does Probiotics Increase Thirst?
Since you mentioned extra thirst, have you also noticed changes in urination (water-like, pale yellow, or straw yellow)?
Typically, more drinking = more peeing.
What Medical Conditions Can Cuse Excessive Drinking?
Excessive drinking can sometimes point to underlying medical issues like
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- Hyper adrenal: or hormonal imbalances (e.g., Cushing’s), which can also tie in with hair loss and low energy.
Dr. Kraemer's Probiotic Tip #1
Pause those supplements you giving for now and see if his thirst/energy improves. (Think of it as a little “detox vacation” 🌿).
Dr. Kraemer's Probiotic Tip #2
Probiotics are great, but they won’t magically fix ear infections or allergies alone.
The real fix requires that we find and treat the underlying cause.
Dr. Kraemer's Probiotic Tip #3
The best approach is usually multimodal (a fancy word for “all hands on deck”):
- Exam and diagnostic testing's
- Bully Topicals: Non-prescription bulldog-friendly topicals (shampoos, conditioners, gels, rinses)
- Therapeutic bully Supplements: Non-prescription bulldog-friendly supplements (skin & allergy support, immune boosters, fish oil, etc.)
- RX: when required vet-prescribed treatments once testing confirms the culprit.
Probiotics Impact on shedding, allergies, and ear infections Cause & Effect:
Please have your vet run the diagnostics (blood/urine/thyroid, ear exam, etc.), and share the results with me when you can.
That way, we can get your pup feeling more like his playful self again.
Best of luck—sending belly rubs,
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
