A review published in Animals by Paula Kiełbik and O. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz synthesizes mounting evidence linking the gut–brain axis to behavioral disorders in dogs. Canine behavioral issues are a rising concern for pet owners and veterinarians alike, and this work presents a novel lens through which these challenges may be understood and addressed.
The study outlines how the gut microbiome interacts with the immune and nervous systems to influence emotions and behavior in mammals. Central to this is the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbial metabolites, and neurotransmitter regulation. These elements shape not only digestion but also behavior via systemic communication, including activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a critical stress response system.
Gut dysbiosis—microbial imbalance—has been shown to exacerbate systemic inflammation and influence neurochemical pathways, potentially leading to anxiety, aggression, or depression-like symptoms in dogs. The authors compare canine data with analogous results in humans and rodent models, reinforcing the microbiome’s cross-species role in behavioral health.
Among the emerging therapeutic strategies, the review spotlights fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a procedure that introduces fecal matter from healthy donors into the gastrointestinal tract of affected animals. Though still under investigation for behavioral disorders, early evidence from other conditions suggests FMT may help rebalance gut bacteria and potentially improve canine mental well-being.
This integrative review emphasizes that effective canine behavioral therapy may increasingly rely on interventions targeting the microbiome—paving the way for personalized, gut-focused treatment plans that consider both biology and behavior.
Source: Paula Kiełbik and O. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz. “The Relationship between Canine Behavioral Disorders and Gut Microbiome and Future Therapeutic Perspectives.” Animals, Volume 14, Published 2024-07-01.
