Dog Microbiome and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

The gut microbiome plays an increasingly recognised role in dog health and wellbeing, with diet, antibiotic use, and environment all affecting microbial diversity and its downstream welfare effects.

Key Facts

Dogs have a distinct gut microbiome from humans, but are significantly influenced by shared household environments
Antibiotic treatment causes prolonged disruption to the canine gut microbiome, sometimes lasting months
High-fibre, varied diets support greater microbiome diversity associated with better health outcomes
Dogs fed raw diets show different microbiome profiles from those fed commercial kibble, with complex welfare implications
Chronic stress has been shown to negatively affect gut microbiome diversity in dogs
Probiotic supplements have limited evidence for routine welfare benefit but may assist post-antibiotic recovery

Welfare Considerations

The gut-brain axis means that microbiome health may influence dog mood, behaviour, and stress responses as well as physical health. Antibiotic stewardship - using antimicrobials only when necessary - is important both for individual dog microbiome welfare and for preventing antimicrobial resistance. Diet diversity and reduced chronic stress are the most evidence-based routes to supporting canine microbiome health.

What You Can Do

Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use in your dog - always seek veterinary diagnosis first
Feed a varied, balanced diet appropriate for your dog's life stage and health status
Discuss probiotic use with your vet after antibiotic courses to support microbiome recovery
Minimise chronic stress in your dog's life through appropriate exercise, play, and social interaction
Support research into the canine microbiome and its implications for companion animal welfare