The gut is arguably the most influential body part in a mammal, for a variety of reasons.  A lesser known fact about a dog’s gut is that it is home to a unique colony of bacteria, called the gut microbiome.  This microbiome has many roles from digestion to immune system support.  Here, the gut microbiome will be discussed, as well as how pet owners can better support their dog’s health.

The gut microbiome is the colony of bacteria that live inside your dog’s digestive system.  There are many types of bacteria that might be present, including bacteria from the Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes phyla.

A healthy gut microbiome is one in which various healthy bacteria strains coexist in good balance with one another.  If there is an overabundance of one good bacterial strain and an underabundance of another, the animal simply may not thrive.  However, if the colonies of good bacteria are destroyed and replaced with harmful bacteria, the dog may not survive.

There are five main responsibilities of the gut microbiome.  These include:

A healthy microbiome attaches to the lining of the intestines and prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.  These substances include environmental toxins and carcinogens.  When the gut microbiome is intact, the harmful substances will pass straight through the intestines as waste.

Healthy bacteria in the gut help with digestion by producing enzymes that aid in nutrient uptake.  Without a working gut microbiome, dogs may have a more difficult time with thiamin, cobalamin, and vitamin B12 uptake.

A growing body of research has shown that bacteria communicate with the brain.  An unhealthy microbiome has been linked with depression, anxiety, and poor coping skills.

Many dog owners may be surprised to know that common behaviors can compromise a dog’s gut health.  The most common culprits are:

Antibiotics work by killing bad bacteria that cause disease and infection.  However, they also kill GOOD bacteria.  Always give your dog the entire dosage of medications that are prescribed.

However, talk to your veterinarian about supportive measures that can be taken during antibiotic treatment, such as a probiotic, prebiotic, or yogurt supplement.

Much to the dismay of most dog owners, it is fairly common for a dog to consume feces of other animals.  While this practice is mostly safe, it does present the risk of introducing bad bacteria into your dog’s gut.  If too much bad or competing bacteria are introduced, your dog’s microbiome may suffer.

Teach your dog the “leave it” and “drop it” commands and keep your yard neat in order to prevent unwanted coprophagic tendencies.

The good bacteria that live in the intestines serve as a barrier which prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream.  However, when the bacteria populations are not sufficient, gaps in the intestinal lining can form and allow food proteins to enter the bloodstream.  Once these proteins have breached the intestinal wall they are attacked by the immune system.  Chronic inflammation ensues, which further disrupts the gut microbiome.