The gut microbiome plays a significant role in companion animal health, behavior, and emotional wellbeing.
A healthy microbiome supports not just digestive function but also immune regulation and potentially behavioral wellbeing in companion animals. Chronic stress, poor diet, frequent antibiotic use, and lack of environmental enrichment can all disrupt microbiome balance, contributing to gastrointestinal disease, immune dysfunction, and behavioral problems. Recognizing microbiome health as a component of companion animal welfare encourages more holistic care approaches.