With pet ownership soaring during the coronavirus pandemic, Purina PetCare is raising awareness among dog owners about the link between their pet’s tummy (gut) health and their brain and, therefore, their behaviour.
The link between the brain and the gut is widely understood and accepted in humans, with phrases such as “gut feeling” and “butterflies in the tummy” commonly used when we are nervous. But it is less well associated with our pets.
According to a recent survey by Purina (carried out by Opinion Matters in October 2021), nearly 40 percent of dog owners were not aware that the health of their dog’s tummy can affect their behaviour.
The influence of nutrition on anxiety in dogs is a new and exciting area of discovery that has only recently been explored. Scientists have found that the gut environment and the bacteria that are naturally found there affect brain function and behaviour. Also, a recent study conducted by Purina (“Tapping into those ‘Gut Feelings’: Impact of BL999 (Bifidobacterium longum) on anxiety in dogs” by Ragen T.S. McGowan) has identified particular healthy bacteria have a role to play in helping to reduce signs of anxiety in dogs.
Purina is urging owners to ensure they are feeding a good, complete and nutritionally balanced diet to maintain a healthy gut environment for their dogs, in turn helping them maintain their mental well-being as well as their physical health.
Actress, presenter and TV chef Lisa Faulkner is supporting the campaign to raise awareness of the positive impact of good nutrition on pets. Lisa, the dedicated owner of Rory the Miniature Schnauzer, says despite being aware of how good food can affect her own well-being, she was surprised to learn about how diet can be linked to her pet’s behaviour.
“I know good nutrition is important for Rory’s health, but I didn’t realise the health of the bacteria in her tummy was so closely linked to her brain function,” she said. “I think it’s important that owners are aware of the need to feed a good quality diet to dogs to help them have a healthy mind and a happy life.”
Purina’s survey found that now we are resuming “normal” activities, 36 percent of dog owners are concerned about their pet’s health and well-being as a result of new challenges. However, when asked what positive steps they intend to take to help their pet adjust to the new normal and improve happiness and well-being, just 20 percent said they would reassess diet.
Dr Libby Sheridan, vet and scientific affairs manager for Purina in the UK & Ireland, explains: “More and more evidence is suggesting that gut microbes help the brain develop and function normally. We’re discovering that these tiny micro-organisms are actually very important for helping the gut communicate with the brain, and they can have real effects on behaviour.
“With more people owning pets than ever [before], it’s a perfect time for us to help owners understand the link between tummies, brains and, therefore, behaviour.
“We’re urging doggy parents everywhere to think about what they feed their pet and ensure they’re giving them a diet that is not only delicious, but also high in nutritional quality – where the diet is complete, balanced and has been developed with a deep understanding of pets’ nutritional needs. In this way, they can help support their canine companion’s gut health and mental well-being. It’s a simple everyday step we can take to give our pets the best day possible, every day.”
For more information about the link between gut health and behaviour in dogs and the pioneering research in this area, visit the Purina Institute website.
