Emerging research on the companion animal microbiome is revealing connections between gut health, behavior, and welfare that have practical management implications.
The connection between gut microbiome health and companion animal welfare is an emerging research area with practical implications. Microbiome dysbiosis is associated with behavioral problems, anxiety, and immune dysfunction in companion animals. Early antibiotic exposure that disrupts microbiome development can have lasting effects on welfare-relevant traits. Diet diversity, appropriate probiotic support, and minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use can support microbiome health and thereby contribute to companion animal welfare.