The gut microbiome significantly affects dog health, behavior, and welfare. Understanding microbiome influences helps owners make better dietary and management decisions.
Canine microbiome science is revealing important connections between gut health and broader welfare outcomes including immune function, behavioral regulation, and stress resilience. Dogs with disrupted microbiomes from antibiotic use or poor diet may show increased anxiety, digestive problems, and immune compromise. The welfare implications of microbiome health are emerging as a significant consideration in dietary decisions and veterinary treatment choices. Supporting microbiome health through high-quality dietary fiber, probiotic supplementation where appropriate, and judicious antibiotic use is an evidence-supported welfare investment with broad benefits.