Which is better for your dog?
When your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or struggling with allergies, it’s tempting to reach for a quick fix. For years, steroids have been the go-to solution. And yes, they can stop the itch fast. But at Best Dog Probiotics, we’ve seen a growing shift toward natural support, especially probiotics, and for good reason.
So which is better for your dog: steroids or probiotics? Let’s take a closer look.
What are steroids and how do they work?
Steroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by suppressing the immune system, which can quickly reduce symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Allergic reactions
They’re often used for skin conditions, allergies, and autoimmune issues. But while they might calm things down temporarily, they don’t actually fix the problem.
The downside of steroids for dogs
Steroids can be useful in serious cases, but they come with a list of potential side effects. Especially with long-term use:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight gain
- Thinning skin or hair loss
- Weakened immune system
- Liver and kidney strain
- Behaviour changes
- Risk of infections
They work by turning off the body’s response, not by solving what’s wrong underneath. In many cases, they’re simply masking the symptoms, not treating the cause.
What are probiotics and how do they help?
Probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that support your dog’s gut health. While they might not seem like the obvious solution for skin or allergy issues, they actually play a crucial role. That’s because a large part of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut. When the gut is out of balance, your dog becomes more prone to itchy skin, allergies, and digestive upsets.
Probiotic chews work by restoring that balance. They contain beneficial bacteria that help rebalance the gut microbiome, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion. In doing so, they can provide lasting relief from common issues like itching, yeast infections, and sensitivities.
After a few weeks of daily use, most dog owners notice less scratching, reduced paw licking, and calmer, healthier skin. It does take a bit of patience, as probiotics work from within – but given time, you’ll see a real difference in your dog’s comfort and well-being.
Steroids vs probiotics: Side-by-side comparison
| Steroids | Probiotics | |
| Speed | Fast relief within hours | Slower, takes 2–6 weeks |
| How it works | Suppresses immune system | Supports and balances immune system |
| Root cause | Masks symptoms | Targets the underlying issue |
| Side effects | Many, especially long-term | Rare and mild (e.g. gas or soft stools) |
| Safety | Risky with long-term use | Safe for daily use |
| Natural | No – synthetic chemical | Yes – natural support |
| Long-term results | Short-term relief | Sustainable improvement |
Why we prefer probiotics
In our reviews, we’ve seen real success stories with probiotics – especially for dogs with chronic itching, allergies, or digestive issues. They don’t offer instant relief like steroids, but they build long-term balance in the body. And they do it without harsh chemicals or side effects. For many dogs, it’s the safer, healthier option – especially when used daily as part of a regular wellness routine.
Which probiotic supplement should you consider
As the leading platform in testing dog supplements, we’ve reviewed and compared many probiotic brands. Based on our findings, DogSuppy’s Itch Relief Probiotics is the most effective option we’ve come across. Each chew contains over 3 billion live cultures and is made with only natural ingredients.
DogSuppy focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem rather than just hiding the symptoms. Most dogs show noticeable improvement within a few weeks. With a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and no unnecessary additives, it is a safe and reliable choice to support your dog’s long-term health.
Our honest take
Steroids have their place – in emergencies or for short-term relief under vet guidance. But for everyday issues like itching, paw licking, or recurring gut problems, probiotics offer a gentler, more natural solution. They support the body instead of shutting it down.
And that’s the kind of care we believe in.
Ready to see which probiotic is best for your dog?
👉 Visit our comparison page for our top-rated probiotic supplements and full reviews.