Get Your Guts in Order: Why Gut Health is Crucial for Your Dog

Sep 28

How Important is Gut Health for Dogs?

As a pet parent, you probably spend a lot of time ensuring your dog has everything they need—healthy food, plenty of exercise, and plenty of ‘me time.’ But have you ever stopped to think about their gut health? Not just what their poop looks like, but how a healthy gut affects their overall health.

Just like us, our dogs have a complex gut microbiome that plays a crucial role in how they feel. Let’s chat about why gut health is essential for your dog, how to recognize signs of an unhealthy gut, and what you can do to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Why Your Dog’s Gut Health Matters

Of course you’ve heard about the importance of gut health for humans. My doctor has advised me to stay away from chocolate, but I can’t help but indulge once in awhile. It’s my vice! After I turned 50 I began looking more seriously at diet, and I discovered that I feel better when I avoid sugar. I know… easier said than done!

We get barraged with info about prebiotics, probiotics, and every sort of food that allegedly is and isn’t ‘good for our gut’ all the time. We know that a healthy gut helps with digestion, boosts the immune system, and even affects our mood.

The same is true for our dogs! Their gut microbiome—a community of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and even fungi—is what keeps us physically and emotionally happy. When things are in balance, your dog’s gut helps keep their digestion and overall health on an even keel, giving them the boost to be bright and bouncy.

Here's the good stuff our gut does for us and our dogs!

Digestion and nutrient absorption. Just as we rely on our gut bacteria to help break down food and absorb nutrients, our dogs need a healthy gut, too. Good bacteria produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring your dog gets the most nutrition from their food.
Immune system support. Did you know that about 70% of the immune system is located in the gut? What a huge impact! 70% of the work your body does to keep you healthy is in your gut. Your dog is no different. A balanced gut microbiome helps fend off harmful pathogens. Dogs with a healthy gut are better equipped to fight infections and stay healthy.
Mental and emotional health. The gut-brain axis is a fascinating concept, showing how our gut health can impact our mood and mental health. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood and behavior. An imbalanced gut can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems in both dogs and people. No surprise – this applies to dogs, too!

Signs of an unhealthy gut in dogs

Since your dog can’t tell you that they are feeling out-of-sorts, you’re probably wondering how to tell if their gut health is off balance. Unfortunately, signs of gut problems are also common signs of other health issues, so if you note any of these, a vet visit is in order.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Digestive issues: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas.
Changes in appetite: Sudden loss of appetite or increased hunger.
Weight fluctuations: Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Skin and coat problems: Dull coat, excessive shedding, dry or flaky skin.
Behavioral changes: Increased anxiety, depression, or lethargy.
Frequent infections: Recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infections, or other illnesses.

Supporting Your Dog’s Gut Health

How can you help ensure your dog’s gut stays healthy so you can boost her ability to keep her feeling great, and reduce the likelihood that it’s making life uncomfortable for her? Here are some tips:

Balanced Diet. Just as we benefit from a balanced diet, so do our dogs. Opt for high-quality pet food that includes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives. This goes for treats, too – look for a short, simple ingredient list on your dog’s treat ingredient list, and dole them out as exactly that – treats to reward your dog. The more treats you feed your dog – for example, if you’re doing a lot of training with food rewards – the more important it is to provide high quality, simple-ingredient treats.
Probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut microbiome. They come in supplement form or can be found in certain foods like yogurt (though be cautious with dairy for dogs). Prebiotics, which are fibers that FEED those beneficial bacteria, are important, too. Here’s a great article that explains a bit more about how they work together. Probiotic and prebiotic supplements, or foods that include them, can be pricey, so if you are going to invest in them, check in with your veterinarian for a recommendation. You don’t want to throw good money at a random supplement found online that might not really be helping your dog.
Avoid overuse of antibiotics. While antibiotics are sometimes necessary to treat infections, their misuse can disrupt the gut microbiome by wiping out beneficial bacteria that keep everything in balance. Especially if you foster lots of puppies you may have leftover antibiotics around, and it’s tempting to try them for every sniffle. Antibiotics don’t impact viruses however – just bacteria – so you’re more likely to knock an animal’s gut out of kilter than impact their ‘cold.’ So, use antibiotics only when prescribed by a veterinarian, call for advice or an appointment when a dog falls ill, and always follow the prescribed dosage and duration.
Regular exercise. This part is fun and doesn’t involve squinting at product labels! Just as exercise is crucial for our overall health, it’s also important for our dogs. Getting out there for that daily (better yet twice daily) walk or play session is as important for our well-being as it is for our dogs. Regular physical activity keeps that canine pudge at bay and helps support good digestion. As a dog photographer, I am often out in parks and know the best locations to hike with your dog in Minneapolis St Paul. It also can help reduce stress by getting your dog out of the house and providing mental stimulation, instead of allowing them to simmer in boredom. It’s good for you, too – more mental and physical exercise!
Stress management. Speaking of stress, we know it can negatively impact our gut health. If you’ve ever had to give an important presentation, or knew you had to have a serious talk with your boss or coworker, you know the constant anxiety can wreak havoc with your digestion, too. While dogs deal with different stressors (like the boredom of sometimes sitting home alone all day, or that neighbor’s cat that keeps taunting us outside the window) it’s no different for dogs. Provide a stable and safe environment for your dog, and engage in activities that reduce stress, such as regular playtime and socialization. If you’re often away from home, don’t assume your dog is happily napping. Buy or borrow a dog camera to see how they react when you are away. If they are relaxed – no problem! But if they are pacing or constantly crying, you may want to come home for lunch, engage a dog sitter, and add some enrichment toys or pet TV. For pets that are prone to anxiety, consider consulting a veterinarian or dog trainer for appropriate interventions.
Routine veterinary check-ups. This is my push for vet visits! Regular visits to the veterinarian can help catch any health issues early on, including gut-related problems. Bring a fresh stool sample for testing, and discuss your dog’s diet, behavior, and any questions you have about their gut health with your vet. And if you are looking for a vet for your dog here in Minneapolis, I recommend The Uptown Veterinarian or Corcoran Pet Care Center. My pet photography clients here in Minneapolis St Paul speak highly of these two places, and I know the vets personally.