The gut microbiome of companion dogs influences their digestion, immune function, and potentially their behaviour and mental health. Understanding this relationship opens new avenues for canine wellbeing.
The emerging science of the canine microbiome has potential welfare implications that extend beyond digestion. If gut bacterial composition influences anxiety and stress reactivity in dogs — as preliminary evidence suggests — then microbiome-informed approaches may become part of holistic behavioural welfare management. This includes dietary choices that support microbial diversity, cautious and targeted use of antibiotics, and potentially probiotic interventions for dogs with anxiety disorders. The practical implication for welfare is that physical and mental health are more interlinked than previously understood. A dog's diet and gut health may contribute to their capacity to cope with environmental stressors and form stable emotional states.