Research into the gut microbiome of companion animals reveals connections between digestive health, immunity, behavior, and emotional wellbeing with significant welfare implications.
Companion animal microbiome research represents an emerging frontier in understanding the complex relationships between physical and behavioral health. The bidirectional gut-brain axis — where gut microbiome composition influences brain function and behavior, and brain states in turn affect gut health — means that caring for the gut microbiome is genuinely a welfare consideration. Dogs experiencing chronic gastrointestinal problems may be experiencing anxiety partly as a consequence of gut dysbiosis; conversely, chronically stressed dogs may develop gut microbiome abnormalities that worsen their physical health. Diet quality, antibiotic stewardship, and stress management are all relevant microbiome welfare interventions.