08/04/2026
🧠 YOUR DOG'S GUT MAY AFFECT MORE THAN DIGESTION.
A new peer-reviewed study published in JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) found that dogs with chronic gut problems were 11× more likely to show signs of stress on everyday walks and nearly twice as likely to become upset before their owner even left the house. Surprisingly, most of these dogs had only mild digestive symptoms, suggesting the effects of chronic gut disease may extend far beyond the intestines.
Researchers believe this may reflect the gut-brain axis—the constant two-way communication between the gut microbiome, immune system, and brain. While this study didn't test treatments, it adds to the growing body of research suggesting that supporting a healthy gut may also support emotional wellbeing.
That's one reason Dr. Karen Becker formulated Primitive Probiotics™ with a diverse blend of canine-derived probiotic strains, Saccharomyces boulardii, beneficial soil-based bacteria, and LP815™ (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum).
In a separate randomized, placebo-controlled canine study, dogs receiving LP815™ showed significant improvements in anxiety and aggression, settled more quickly after their owners left, and developed more consistent sleep patterns. Together, these studies reinforce how closely the gut and brain are connected—while also highlighting that not all probiotics are the same, and specific strains matter.
But probiotics are just one tool in the toolbox. Supporting a healthier gut also means feeding a minimally processed, whole-food diet, providing plenty of fermentable fiber to nourish beneficial gut bacteria, incorporating fear-free behavior modification when needed, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics whenever possible, and addressing the underlying cause of gut disease. When these strategies work together, they help create the best environment for a healthier, more resilient microbiome.
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