Can Topical Probiotics Improve Your Pet's Skin and Coat Health?

Written By: Liz Hanson, Veterinarian (DVM)

Probiotics are commonly thought of as an oral supplement used to maintain a healthier digestive tract. However, current research is finding that regular topical probiotic use can also prove beneficial for healthier skin. One of the most common skin conditions in pets is skin allergies with secondary pyoderma (bacterial skin infection). Researchers are now seeing how the “healthy” bacteria applied topically with products such as Skout’s Honor Probiotic Shampoo and Conditioners may benefit these skin conditions.

How Topical Probiotics Can Improve Your Pet’s Skin and Coat

In pets with pyoderma, bacteria on the skin trigger the immune system to react by creating an itchy, inflamed, bumpy skin rash. Probiotics for itchy dogs applied topically can help prevent the itchy skin rash from forming by blocking skin cells from recognizing the bad bacteria. In addition, topical probiotics may also contribute to killing the bad bacteria with its antimicrobial properties. Lastly, research has shown that probiotics can help reduce the sensitivity of skin cells to signal the immune system’s reaction toward bad bacteria.

Pets bathed with the Skout’s Honor Probiotic Shampoo and Conditioner have already shown positive results! Some of Dr. Hanson’s clients have used the Honeysuckle, Lavender, and Unscented probiotic shampoo and conditioner to maintain the health of their pet’s skin. There has been overwhelming positive feedback on the cleanliness, smell, and soft feel of their pet’s coat and skin. Clients with dogs diagnosed with skin allergies have also seen fewer pyoderma flare-ups with weekly use of the probiotic shampoo.

Skout’s Honor Testimonials:

• “My 2-year-old chocolate lab mix has been treated off and on for pyoderma and skin allergies for the past 6 months. Dr. Hanson told me about a new honeysuckle-scented probiotic shampoo by Skout’s Honor, and I have been using it weekly on my Labrador. His coat condition has remained free from pyoderma and is less itchy. He also has a healthy sheen and super fluffy coat. I love the smell of the shampoo after he is bathed and how soft his coat is now.” — Amy Directo, client of CDM Animal Hospital

• “I have worked as a groomer at CDM Animal Hospital for 20+ years and feel the dogs and cats bathed with Skout’s Honor shampoo and conditioner have a much softer and cleaner coat. I have used the unscented shampoo on dogs with sensitive skin and have seen great results with no allergic reactions. For long-haired dogs and cats such as the Maltese, Bichon, Persian, and Himalayans who come in for grooming, using the detangler has made my job much easier!” — Nellie de Leon, Groomer at Corona Del Mar (CDM) Animal Hospital

• “I love the smell of the honeysuckle-scented shampoo and have seen much less shedding.” — Shannon Duss, client of CDM Animal Hospital

• “I have allergies to most smells from topical pet products, and the unscented shampoo from Skout’s Honor is now my favorite! It lathers well, and my Shih Tzu always feels clean and happy. She runs around the house feeling like a million bucks after her bath!” — Liz Sabori, client of CDM Animal Hospital

• “My cat Yukon’s coat has shed less and feels softer since using the Lavender Probiotic shampoo. I would buy this again!” — Lauren Henry, Receptionist at CDM Animal Hospital