Your dog’s digestive system is home to trillions of tiny organisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. Together, they create what’s called the “gut microbiome.” The gut microbiome actively contributes to your dog’s overall health in many ways:
- Breaking down food components that your dog couldn’t digest on his own.
- Creating vitamins and other beneficial compounds.
- Protecting against harmful bacteria by competing for resources.
- Regulating the immune system.
- Producing hormones that affect many body systems, including the brain.
Balance is Essential
A healthy gut microbiome is diverse, with thousands of different microbial species working in harmony. However, this balance can easily be disrupted. Research from AnimalBiome found that approximately 1 in 3 pets show symptoms of microbiome imbalance. Imbalances typically fall into three main categories:
- Wrong Proportions: The right bacteria are present but not in balanced amounts.
- Missing Beneficial Bacteria: Key helpful microbes are completely absent.
- Harmful Overgrowth: Too many problematic bacteria have taken hold.
Research shows that many health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leaky gut syndrome, chronic diarrhea, allergies, atopic dermatitis, and more, share an imbalanced gut microbiome as a contributing factor.
SIGNS OF A BALANCED GUT MICROBIOME
- Regular bowel movements
- Consistently firm stools
- Healthy skin and coat
- Strong immune system
- No digestive discomfort
SYMPTOMS OF AN IMBALANCED GUT MICROBIOME
- Digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, etc.)
- Skin issues and itchiness
- Dull coat or excessive shedding
- Bad breath (even with clean teeth)
- Frequent ear infections
- Behavioral changes or anxiety
- Weight issues (inability to gain or lose weight)
BALANCING YOUR DOG’S GUT MICROBIOME
Many microbiome problems develop silently before symptoms appear. By the time you notice digestive issues, itchy skin, or low energy in your dog, the imbalance may have been developing for months. Several factors can disrupt your dog’s gut microbiome, including:
- Disease
- Aging
- Diet choices
- Medications
- Weight
Understanding your dog’s gut microbiome through testing is the first step toward supporting his overall wellbeing, which can include a range of body systems such as gastrointestinal, immune function, skin issues, and behavior. The good news is that unlike genetics, the microbiome can be influenced by everyday choices in diet, exercise, and supplements.
Gut Microbiome Health Test Options
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Dr. Katie Woodley, the founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, has been pioneering integrative veterinary medicine for the last 15 years. She blends Eastern and Western medicine to address the root causes of disease, with a focus on gut and skin health. Dr. Woodley creates comprehensive treatment plans combining targeted nutrition and herbal remedies to promote overall well-being in pups.
For more information, check out Dr. Katie Woodley’s Better Gut Health Blueprint.
For More Information:
- 2025 The Natural Pet Doctor. Better Gut Health Blueprint.
- Ganz, PhD, Holly. State of the Gut 2024. Oakland, CA, AnimalBiome, www.animalbiome.com/pages/state-of-the-gut-2024.
- Dr. Katie Woodley – The Natural Pet Doctor. “Top Natural Ways to Help Your Cat and Dog Live Longer FREE Masterclass Replay.” YouTube, 21 June 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sybGrXhHmvo. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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