'It's been a game-changer': How I discovered the reason why my dog is such a fussy eater and chews his paws
70% of a dog’s immune system is linked to their gut microbiome 🐶
- Many everyday health issues start in the gut and can present themselves in different ways.
- This is the same for dogs, with 70% of their immune system linked to their gut microbiome.
- I tried out the Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test on my rescue dog Ernie.
The gut microbiome is something many humans try to keep in check, from taking probiotics to drinking kefir or eating kimchi, but have you ever considered how your dog’s gut could be affecting their health?
My rescue dog, Ernie is getting up in years, soon to be 11. He still thinks he’s a youngster, but as he’s gotten older, we’ve noticed him chewing at his paws, being less steady on his feet and having stomach issues. Vet trips had been inconclusive, so when I had the opportunity to take a test that would look at Ernie’s gut, I jumped at the chance.
The Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test analyses your dog’s microbiome using advanced DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It looks at key data such as breed, age, health history, and lifestyle to provide an in-depth report and actionable advie, including a supplement plan to address their needs.
Many everyday health issues start in the gut and can present themselves in different ways in dogs. From behavioural issues, diarrhoea, vomiting, weight struggles, bad breath, foul flatulence, skin issues, joint concerns, or even no symptoms at all.
Considering that 70% of a dog’s immune system is linked to their gut microbiome, understanding how it works and how to keep it healthy is essential for supporting their overall well-being.
We sent off Ernie’s stool sample, which was easier to collect than expected and received a detailed report giving a score for his invisible health, microbiome and health indicators. We learnt that likely due to Ernie’s age, his microbiome had become less diverse and with some healthy tweaks and supportive supplements, we could create a better balance for his gut.
What is the gut microbiome?
The dog gut microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa which play a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune modulation, neural function, and inflammation control.
When the microbiome population is rich and balanced, it promotes healthy function. A growing body of research confirms that microbiome imbalances are increasingly common in domestic dogs.
What are the signs your dog has gut issues?
Dr Bushra Schuitemaker, Head of Microbiology at Pooch & Mutt, has identified the main signs to look for to check if a dog is struggling with stomach issues, which might mean there is something wrong with their gut microbiome.
Dr Bushra said: “A common first sign that a dog is experiencing gastric issues is when they compulsively eat unusual things like grass or mud, as this behaviour is often linked to imbalances in their gut bacteria.
“Bad behaviour, including aggression and anxiety, can result from a dog being uncomfortable and unable to fix the problem themselves. Itching, bad breath, flatulence and a change in stool can all signify hidden gut problems.”
Find out more about the dog microbiome, how to test your dog’s gut and what supplements are available at Pooch & Mutt.