The gut microbiome of companion animals influences health, behavior, and emotional wellbeing. Diet, antibiotic use, and stress affect microbiome diversity with significant welfare implications.
The microbiome connection between gut health and brain function means that digestive wellbeing has direct implications for companion animal behavioral and emotional health. Diet quality, appropriate probiotic support after antibiotic treatment, and management of gut dysbiosis all contribute to overall animal welfare beyond just digestive function.