The Weird Link Between Gut Bugs & Wagging Tails

As a dog owner, keeping your pet healthy is always a top priority. Exercise, good nutrition, and vet visits are essential — but there’s one area that’s often overlooked: your dog’s gut health, sometimes called their “second brain.”

Why “second brain”? Because the gut is packed with millions of nerve cells, directly linked to the brain through what’s called the gut–brain axis. That means what happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut — it affects mood, behaviour, immunity, and more.

The Gut–Brain–Immunity Connection

The gut microbiome — trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes — acts like a control centre for your dog’s overall health. When it’s balanced, your dog thrives. When it’s disrupted, you’ll see the signs across their body and behaviour.

• Mood & Behaviour: Low serotonin from poor gut health can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and even compulsive behaviours.
• Immune Defence: With 70% of the immune system in the gut, imbalances can mean more skin flare-ups, allergies, and frequent infections.
• Inflammation: An unhealthy gut can trigger body-wide inflammation, affecting joints, skin, and even cognition.

How to Support Gut Health (and Everything It Influences)

1. Feed a High-Quality Diet

Choose food rich in natural protein, free from fillers and artificial additives. Whole foods and omega-rich oils help fuel the microbiome.

2. Add Probiotics, Prebiotics & Postbiotics

• Probiotics: Introduce beneficial bacteria to restore balance.
• Prebiotics: Provide fibre that feeds and strengthens good bacteria.
• Postbiotics: Anti-inflammatory byproducts that support immunity and reduce gut stress.

3. Encourage Exercise

Exercise isn’t only about keeping your dog fit — it promotes healthy digestion, lowers stress, and even improves microbiome diversity.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress raises cortisol, which disrupts the gut. Calming routines, enrichment, and natural supports help protect balance.

5. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Your vet can help track gut health, test for imbalances, and suggest tailored nutrition or supplements if needed.

The Bottom Line

Gut health is the cornerstone of your dog’s overall wellbeing. By protecting their microbiome, you’re not only aiding digestion — you’re boosting immunity, balancing mood, and supporting skin, dental, and brain health.

Start from the inside out, and you’ll see the difference in calmer moods, stronger immunity, and a happier, more vibrant dog. 🐶

P.S. NutriPaw’s probiotic range is designed to nourish your dog’s microbiome — supporting gut, brain, and immune health in one simple step.