Carina Sacoor and colleagues (2024) published a review in Veterinary Medicine International examining the role of the gut–brain axis in canine anxiety. Anxiety disorders in dogs are increasingly recognized as a major welfare concern, often leading to reduced quality of life for both dogs and owners, and in severe cases, abandonment or euthanasia.
The review outlines how the gut microbiota communicates with the brain through metabolic, neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. Disruptions to microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, are implicated in several mental health conditions, including anxiety. Evidence from human and rodent studies strongly supports this link, but canine-specific research remains limited.
Preclinical findings suggest that prebiotics and probiotics can alleviate anxiety-related symptoms by restoring microbial equilibrium. Sacoor et al. argue that such microbial-based therapies represent a promising frontier for veterinary behavioral medicine. By targeting the gut microbiome, veterinarians may be able to improve emotional resilience and reduce anxiety in companion dogs.
The review concludes that more research is urgently needed to translate these insights into veterinary practice, but the potential of gut-focused therapies signals an exciting shift in how canine behavioral disorders may be treated in the future.
Source: Sacoor, C., Marugg, J. D., Lima, N. R., Empadinhas, N., & Montezinho, L. (2024). Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders: New Challenges for Behavioral Veterinary Medicine. Journal: Veterinary Medicine International, Volume 2024. Publication Date: 2024-01-23. Authors: Carina Sacoor, J. D. Marugg, N. R. Lima, N. Empadinhas, L. Montezinho.
