Dogs on Antibiotics Probably Need These Natural Supplements * All Natural Pet Care

Natural treatments can’t always replace standard medical treatments, nor should they. If your veterinarian suggests your dog requires antibiotics to recover, chances are you should listen to them. That said, you can use natural supplements to help offset or treat the negative side effects of antibiotics, while supporting your best friend’s digestive system, immune system, and overall wellbeing.

Note of Caution: Always check with your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s routine.

What Natural Supplements Can I Give to My Dog with Antibiotics?

The following natural supplements may help your dog recover faster and cope with their illness until they do.

Probiotics & Prebiotics

You’ve probably heard that anyone taking antibiotics should also take probiotics. That’s because antibiotics don’t differentiate between bad and beneficial bacteria, killing both without prejudice.

Scientists are still learning about beneficial gut bacteria (flora), but everyone agrees we need them for healthy digestion, cardiovascular health, brain function, and immunity.

“Your dog’s gastrointestinal tract contains about 70% of their immune system, putting it on the front line for preventing pathogens from accessing the rest of the body,” says the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center at Cornell University. “By normalizing the conditions in the digestive system, probiotics allow the immune system to function properly.”

Replenishing and rebalancing beneficial bacteria in the digestive system with probiotics is imperative while your dog is taking antibiotics, and for at least two weeks thereafter. If they’re on antibiotics frequently, consider making probiotics part of their daily routine indefinitely. An ongoing lack of beneficial gut flora can have repercussions ranging from chronic stomach upset to inflammation diseases.

“Unfavourable alterations of the host microbial environment, known as dysbiosis, have been identified in many canine and feline gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. As a result, normalization of microbial composition and function has become an important therapeutic target…” concludes the study, Harnessing the Microbiome: Probiotics, antibiotics and their role in canine and feline gastrointestinal disease. “Judicious use of antibiotics and targeted probiotic supplementation can enhance patient outcomes by promoting a balanced gut microbial environment.”

Probiotics can also offset diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Combine it with Calcium Montmorillonite Clay if probiotics alone don’t do the trick. It’s been studied for loose stools caused by antibiotics specifically and has proven to be very effective.

“The use of a clay containing paste can be extremely beneficial in resolving acute mild GI upset quickly,” says Greywolf Animal Health.

To replenish and rebalance canine gut flora during and after antibiotic use, try to find a probiotic supplement with as many strains as possible. The mix of strains may include Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus Coagulans, and more. For example, the popular Thornevet Probiotic Support Formula contains Bacillus Coagulans, Bacillus Subtilis, and Saccharomyces Boulardii.

The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center identifies the following probiotic strains that are beneficial to dogs:

• Bacillus coagulans
• Bifidobacterium animalis (strain AHC7) helps with acute diarrhea
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium longum (BL999) helps with anxiety
• Enterococcus faecium (strain SF68)
• Lactobacillus acidophilus improves stool quality and frequency
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain LGG) maybe effective for diarrhea, since it is beneficial for humans with diarrhea.

Prebiotics feed probiotics, making them essential for rebuilding beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Your dog’s daily diet may already include prebiotics. In manufactured food, pet food labels name the prebiotic but rarely identify them as such. A few to look for are Fructooligosaccharides, Chicory root/fiber, Inulin, and Oligofructose, according to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics.

Many of the better probiotic supplements also include prebiotics, as do some natural pet supplements intended for the digestive system in general. For example, Canfitme Probiotic Powder sachets for dogs boast 11 probiotics, four prebiotics, five digestive enzymes, plus pumpkin for a complete probiotic powerhouse.

Probiotic supplements, be they capsules, powders, pastes, food, or treats, are the easiest way to add probiotics to your dog’s diet. Note that probiotics in food or treats can be less effective than capsules or powders, because most pet food is cooked at extremely high temperatures that probiotics can’t survive. Some innovations are addressing that problem, such as coating or adding probiotics after cooking.

Omega 3

The many benefits of Omega 3 for dogs and humans are well known. Where antibiotics are in play, Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation in the digestive system while also protecting the rest of the body from inflammatory responses (such as the skin and joints).

Immunity Boosters

Antibiotics help kill the bad stuff, but your dog’s body could still use a hand fighting it off, recovering, and preventing reinfection. There are plenty of natural ways to boost canine immunity, just like humans. Antioxidants, medicinal mushrooms, Echinacea, Astragalus, Omega 3, vitamin C, and other known immune system stimulants work just as well for dogs. Most pet parents choose a combination supplement to boost their dog’s immunity, such as PetHeal Immune Plus Chews for Dogs.

Electrolytes

If your suffering pooch isn’t drinking or eating as much, or if their symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, they may become dehydrated.

Top up their electrolytes with the following natural sources:

Bone Broth (with an optional tiny pinch of unprocessed sea salt) is effective & inexpensive, and may be more tempting to dogs who have lost their appetite.

Seaweed is the most nutritious vegetation on the planet, and it has antimicrobial properties to help dogs fight off everything from bacteria to viruses. It also has built-in electrolytes and a little goes a long way.

There are also hydrating products on the market, but avoid any that only work by increasing thirst.

Tempt your dog to eat with this Electrolyte Bites Pet Treat Recipe.

If your dog has a chronic condition requiring frequent antibiotics, ask your vet about continuing the above supplements over the long-term.

Reminder: Please do not introduce supplements without the guidance of your veterinarian.

Has your dog ever been on antibiotics? What did you learn from the experience?

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Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by Digital Manager: Melody McKinnon