Poor gut health and dog behaviour issues

As a dog trainer, one of the areas I consider when treating dogs with behaviour issues, particularly anxiety and aggression, is their diet and other factors that could be impacting on their gut health.

This is because we now have a much greater understanding of the gut-brain axis and how signals run both ways between the digestive and central nervous system.

How poor gut health affects a dog’s behaviour

Just like in humans, the gut microbiome in dogs is directly involved in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are key players in determining mood, emotion, and stress responses.

Therefore, when the gut health of a dog is out of balance it can lead to anxiety, stress and some phobias, whilst elevated levels of certain bacteria in the gut have also been associated with increased aggression.

Poor gut health leads to disease

Poor gut health can also trigger systemic, chronic inflammation, which can be contributed to many physical and mental health conditions.

Sadly, this has even wider implications, as dogs with anxiety disorders are reported to be more vulnerable to other diseases and have shorter lifespans.

So, how can we help our dogs maintain a healthy gut and, in turn, a healthy mind?

Diet and nutrition for good gut health

I believe feeding a fresh, balanced diet like Big Dog Pet Foods and gut-boosting supplements plays an important role.  Supplements including pre and probiotics and other nutrients are key to boosting nutrition.

Look for high-quality gut health products though, that help balance the good and bad bacteria like EAC’s Gut and Immune Health Optimiser.

It contains digestive enzymes, pre & pro biotics, active botanicals, immune balancing ingredients and beneficial bacteria that can have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Get help as soon as possible

My other recommendation, if your dog is experiencing behavioural issues, particularly anxiety or aggression, is to discuss their gut health with your Vet, ideally a Vet Behaviourist or Pet Food Nutritionist who has a solid understand of pet nutrition, along with an experienced dog trainer as soon as possible.

Working together, you can find the best approach to keep your dog’s gut health – and brain – healthy and happy.

For more information about food and nutrition, click HERE.   And for training tips and advice for common dog behaviour problems, click HERE.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10827376/

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog