What Is Your Dog’s Gut Microbiome and Why Is It Important?

What affects gut health in dogs? The good, the bad and the ugly

There are lots of things that can affect gut health and the microbiome in dogs.

• Diet
  It’s the food we feed our dogs that ultimately nourishes the bacteria in the microbiome, so diet is really important. Protein, carbohydrates and prebiotic fibre are important. Diets with varying levels of these components will produce different populations of bacteria. For example, cats need much more protein in their diet than dogs, and so have a different gut microbiome. Typically, diets rich in prebiotic fibre (the fibre that feeds the bacteria) are beneficial for a balanced microbiome and a healthy gut.

• Probiotic supplements
  Probiotics are supplements containing the bacteria themselves. You may be familiar with human products such as yoghurts marketed to contain the ‘good bacteria’. A potential problem in using this approach is that it’s difficult to guarantee that the bacteria will make it through all the digestive processes and arrive where they are needed alive. This is why more favour is now given to supplementing with prebiotic fibre that, by definition, can’t be digested before it reaches the right place.

• Age
  The microbiome develops with the individual dog and becomes more and more diverse as the dog grows into an adult. Adulthood is when the microbiome is at its peak. Studies show that the microbiome changes with age, and this is linked to changes in cognitive function and behaviour in older dogs.

• Stress and anxiety
  These are intrinsically linked to the gut microbiome, but, again, it’s a balance. A healthy microbiome can affect mood and anxiety, but the opposite is also true. Chronic stress and anxiety can negatively affect gut health and the immune system and lead to digestive upsets.

• Antibiotic use
  Doctors, vets and other scientists all over the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics. This is for the environment and to reduce the chance of antibiotic resistance, but it can also be best for the individual patient, as antibiotics can be devastating to the gut microbiome. Gone are the days where pet parents should expect to be given antibiotics for any mild gastrointestinal upset.

• Other diseases
  Virtually any other health condition your dog has could affect their gut health. This could be because medications or diet changes are needed or because of chronic pain and stress.

What happens when the balance goes wrong?

A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is said to be in a state of ‘eubiosis’. When it goes wrong, it’s called ‘dysbiosis’. A classic example would be a dog given antibiotics for a deep-seated skin infection, which helps the skin but wipes out the ‘good’ microbiome, giving ‘bad’ bacteria a chance to take hold. Dysbiosis may result in

• Physical signs such as diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, excess gas or wind, bloating or possibly vomiting.
• Mental signs such as anxiety, mood changes or behavioural changes.

If you have any doubts about your dog’s health, always seek help sooner rather than later to avoid delaying a diagnosis and worsening signs.

How can I support my dog’s microbiome?

As the microbiome is such an integral and important part of your dog, looking after it is about more than just good nutrition, and it begins before your dog is even born!

• Pick your dog and their breeder wisely. Getting a puppy from healthy, relaxed parents with good temperaments will be a great start. Stress, even in the womb, can cause issues later in life. A good breeder should raise a well-balanced puppy. 
• Always vaccinate. Severe gastrointestinal issues (as well as death in too many cases) due to preventable viral diseases can cause lifelong gut issues.
• Feed your dog optimal nutrition from the word ‘go’. Ask your vet about the best foods to feed for every lifestage. The first 12 months are crucial for general health as well as gut health.
• Keep your dog slim and active. This reduces stress and keeps bowels moving.
• Always seek veterinary help early if you suspect a problem. Early diagnosis and treatment is always best.
• If your dog has a digestive disorder, listen to your vet about how best to manage it with nutrition. There are therapeutic foods available for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders.

Dog gut health in summary

The microbiome is a fascinating little cosmos. Research in the UK and Europe is constantly ongoing to try to unlock its secrets and understand its full power. In the meantime, being aware of its importance and staying in regular touch with your veterinary healthcare team will ensure your dog has the best chance at a long, healthy, happy life, which means you get the maximum time with your best friend. Everyone’s a winner!

Dog gut microbiome FAQs

What is the gut microbiome in dogs? 

The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of beneficial bacteria. They help digestion, gut cell health and the immune system, and they also affect mood and behaviour through the gut-brain axis.

What food is best for the microbiome in dogs? 

In general, foods that are rich in prebiotic fibre are best. It’s this fibre that nourishes the bacteria in the microbiome.

How do I know if my dog’s gut is healthy? 

Healthy bowels produce regular, well-formed stools. Pretty much any deviation from this could be a sign of a problem and is best investigated unless it only lasts a day or two.

What upsets the microbiome?

Major causes of this are:

• Poor nutrition
• Use of antibiotics
• Increasing age
• Stress and anxiety

Reviewed by Karen Shenoy, DVM.