Stressed Dog? How Your Pet’s Gut Affects Their Brain Health

Keeping our canine companions happy and healthy is our number one priority as dog owners. We spend so much time with our pups, socialising, training and desensitising them to the big, scary world.

Sadly, anxiety can still impact our furry friends, despite our very best intentions. There are many reasons why our dogs get stressed, but one area of healthcare that is often overlooked is the link between brain and digestive health.

The key to better behaviour and reduced stress may lie in the secret world of your dog’s gut. So, let’s unpack how your dog’s gut health can impact their wellbeing.

How Does Gut Health Affect My Dog’s Brain?

Did you know trillions of microorganisms live in your dog’s intestinal tract?

This might sound a bit strange, but this is your furry friend’s gut microbiome, an ecosystem that consists primarily of friendly bacteria and fungi.

The friendly microorganisms within the gut support your dog’s digestive and brain health. They break down (ferment) food in the large intestine, fight off bad bacteria, and nourish the intestinal system.

In a healthy dog, this is a symbiotic relationship; the gut is somewhere for the bacteria to live and feed, and in return, they benefit the bodyIn a healthy dog, this is a symbiotic relationship; the gut is somewhere for the bacteria to live and feed, and in return, they benefit the body.

Certain bacteria that live in the gut are directly linked to the brain; this is known as the Gut-Brain Axis. These microbes encourage the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain that signal to other cells across the body.

The most well-known neurotransmitter is Serotonin, also known as the Happy Hormone. It is thought that around 80% of this is produced by intestinal microbes. Serotonin sends signals to the body and is also a hormone that regulates emotion, helping animals feel happier and more relaxed.

The health of your dog’s microbiome greatly impacts the amount of serotonin that can be produced. Our furry friends need a variety of healthy bacteria in their gut for optimum function.

Each microorganism has its place in this delicately balanced ecosystem. If your dog is lacking a certain bacteria or has an overgrowth of another, it can lead to problems.

An unbalanced microbiome is referred to as dysbiosis. This can lead to digestive upset, pain, discomfort and stress, potentially due to an underproduction of these happy hormones.

The Signs of Dog Stress

It is important to be able to recognise the signs of stress or that your dog’s microbiome is imbalanced. Here are some symptoms to watch out for that may indicate your dog isn’t coping:

• Excessive barking — if your dog is vocalising more than normal, this can be a sign of stress or boredom.
• Destructive Behaviour — excessive chewing and destroying of household items can be an indicator of stress and boredom.
• Different Body Language — shaking, whimpering, lots of panting can be a sign of nervousness and anxiety.
• Loose Stools — a change in stool function can be an indication of illness, heightened stress and anxiety and a weakened microbiome.

If your dog is exhibiting extreme behaviour changes and has become aggressive, it is so important to consult your vet and/or canine behaviourist. Sudden changes can be an indicator of ill health, so professional advice is essential.

How Can I Support My Dog’s Gut?

So now we know there is a link between gut and brain, the question is, can I improve my dog’s gut health?

The answer is almost always yes.

Firstly, it is important to establish if your pet’s current diet is rich in ingredients that support the gut microbiome. These will be prebiotic fibres, often listed as FOS, MOS, Chicory or Inulin.

Prebiotic fibres cannot be digested and instead are used by the friendly bacteria in the gut. Think of them as food and protection for the bacteria, promoting healthy growth and activity. Remember, a healthier gut microbiome = healthier, happier dog!

Explore MORE, a natural dog food brand, rich in gut-supporting prebiotics.

Of course, another way to promote a healthier gut is to consider adding a digestive supplement to their lifestyle.

Supplements such as Broadreach Fibiotic Pro will help better maintain the gut flora balance, promote optimum digestive health and add even more nutritional benefits to dogs’ diets.

Shop our range of digestive supplements.

Want more digestive advice? Check out our 5 Tips for Supporting Dog Digestive Health blog.