WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
Think of it
like a team.
Your pet’s microbiome is the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the gut, on the skin and in the mouth.
A healthy community usually has many different groups doing different jobs. When only a few groups dominate, the team can become less flexible.
A microbiome test is a snapshot of that community at one point in time. It highlights patterns to guide daily care. It does not diagnose disease.
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED
The gut talks to
the whole body.
CANADIAN MICROBIOME SCIENCE
AT-HOME TESTING
DAILY GUT SUPPORT
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
How the microbiome connects
to everyday health.
Gut & Skin
What research suggests
Several studies have found differences in the gut microbiome of dogs with atopic dermatitis compared with healthy dogs. Researchers call this link the gut–skin axis. The findings show associations, not cause and effect, and research is ongoing.
Craig 2016; Rostaher et al. 2022; Thomsen et al. 2023
What you might notice
Itching, paw licking, redness or coat changes, sometimes alongside soft stool or digestive changes.
What you can do
Track skin and stool together, talk to your vet about signs that persist, and consider a skin or gut microbiome test for added context.
Gut & Immunity
What research suggests
A large part of the body’s immune tissue lines the gut wall, where it is in constant contact with gut bacteria. This is one reason gut balance is studied in relation to overall wellness.
Pilla & Suchodolski 2020; Suchodolski 2022
What you might notice
Sensitivity to diet changes, stress or travel.
What you can do
Keep routines steady, introduce new foods slowly, and support the gut with fibre and probiotics if they suit your pet.
Gut & Behaviour
What research suggests
Researchers are exploring a gut–brain axis in dogs. One small study found differences in the gut microbiome of dogs with and without aggressive behaviour. This research is at an early stage.
Kirchoff et al. 2019
What you might notice
Changes in appetite, energy or mood during digestive upset.
What you can do
Note behaviour alongside stool and diet, and talk to your vet about any sudden changes.
Mouth Microbiome
What research suggests
The mouth has its own microbiome, and different sites such as saliva, plaque and the gumline host different bacteria.
Ruparell et al. 2020
What you might notice
Breath changes, visible plaque, gum colour or chewing comfort.
What you can do
Brush regularly, book dental checks with your vet, and consider an oral microbiome test for added context.
Test. Understand.
Support.
Collect a sample at home and send it back in the prepaid return mailer. Our Canadian microbiome scientists review your sample, and your report arrives in about a month. You don’t need a test to start daily support.
Test
Choose a gut, skin, oral or DNA test.
Understand
Read your pet’s report and top care priorities.
Support
Build a daily routine that fits what you learn.
MEET OUR MICROBIOME SCIENTIST
Dr. Alissa Cait, PhD
Lead Research Scientist at Pawomics. Dr. Cait holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia. Her research experience includes postdoctoral work at New Zealand’s Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, studying the gut microbiome and immune function.
References
- Craig JM. Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs. Vet Med Sci. 2016;2(2):95–105.
- Kirchoff NS, Udell MAR, Sharpton TJ. The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris). PeerJ. 2019;7:e6103.
- Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Front Vet Sci. 2020;6:498.
- Rostaher A, et al. Comparison of the gut microbiome between atopic and healthy dogs: preliminary data. Animals. 2022;12(18):2377.
- Ruparell A, et al. The canine oral microbiome: variation in bacterial populations across different niches. BMC Microbiol. 2020;20:42.
- Suchodolski JS. Analysis of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Pathol. 2022;50(Suppl 1):6–17.
- Thomsen M, et al. A comprehensive analysis of gut and skin microbiota in canine atopic dermatitis in Shiba Inu dogs. Microbiome. 2023;11:232.
This page is for education. It is not veterinary advice and does not replace a visit to your vet.