Behavioural issues, skin problems, smelly breath, excess flatulence and mobility issues can all be caused by a microbiome imbalance in our four-legged friends’ guts.

Microbiome imbalances can be hard to detect early on, as many symptoms remain hidden until more obvious signs appear, like changes in stool consistency or colour during an upset stomach. However, there are often subtle indicators that your pooch is struggling with gut health long before it gets to that point.

Dr. Bushra Schuitemaker, Head of Microbiology at Pooch & Mutt has identified the main signs to look for, to check if a dog’s struggling with gastric issues they can’t tell us about.

She says: “A common first sign that a dog is experiencing gastric issues is when they compulsively eat unusual things like grass or mud, as this behaviour is often linked to imbalances in their gut bacteria. Bad behaviour including aggression and anxiety can result from a dog being uncomfortable and unable to fix the problem themselves. Itching, bad breath, flatulence and a change in stool can all signify hidden gut problems.”

After 6 years of research by vets, scientists and animal nutrition experts, a new at-home test has been launched to reveal what’s really going on inside.

The Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test is quick and easy to do at home. Owners simply fill out a short online questionnaire and send off a stool sample. Using advanced analysis, their lab provides an InvisibleHealth Score (a scoring process that’s unique to them) and a personalised report – revealing what’s really going on in the gut. The report includes tailored advice on foods to choose and a personalised three-phase supplement plan to help rebalance, restore, and optimise the microbiome.

Even if your dog appears perfectly healthy, their gut health can still influence how effectively they absorb and utilise essential nutrients. This test is designed for proactive pet parents who want to stay one step ahead, ensuring their dog gets the most from every meal, maintains peak vitality, and stays strong and healthy to help reduce the risk of future health issues.