Your Dog’s Gut Might Be the Key to Easing Their Anxiety

Ever noticed how your dog’s tummy troubles often come hand in hand with their mood swings? Well, it turns out, it’s not just a coincidence.

We usually think of dog anxiety as a purely behavioural issue, something that comes from past trauma, fear, or environmental stress. And yes, those things matter. But there’s more going on behind the scenes… or rather, in the gut!

The Gut-Brain Axis: Yep, it’s a real thing

Science now tells us what your dog’s been trying to show you all along: the gut and brain are in constant conversation. This powerful communication line is called the "gut-brain axis, and it works via the Vagus Nerve (aka the body’s internal WhatsApp line). Whatever’s happening in your dog’s digestive system sends signals up to their brain, affecting how they feel, think, and behave.

So if the gut’s out of whack? The brain starts to feel it too. And that calm, confident dog you’re working hard to build might keep hitting the same emotional speed bumps.

Bacteria, Behaviour, and a Happy Brain

Your dog’s gut is home to billions of bacteria. Some are good, some not so much. The helpful ones play a big role in producing the brain chemicals that keep your pup relaxed and balanced, like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

If their gut isn’t producing enough of these calming chemicals, no amount of training or reassurance will fully settle an anxious dog. It's like trying to build a house without any bricks.

One study even showed that aggressive dogs had very different gut bacteria compared to non-aggressive dogs. Their gut microbiome was literally wired for stress. Fascinating, right?

Modern dogs, modern diets... modern problems

Let’s be honest, many dogs today are living like humans. And just like us, they’re eating more processed food, taking more medications, and dealing with more artificial additives than ever before.

Kibble may be convenient, but a lot of it is made with cheap fillers like corn and grains, not ideal for a carnivore’s gut. Add to that antibiotics (which wipe out good and bad bacteria alike), dewormers, anti-tick tablets, and even chlorinated tap water, and you’ve got a gut under pressure.

It’s no wonder so many dogs are struggling with anxiety, reactivity, or unpredictable behaviour.

So What Can You Do?

You can’t bubble-wrap your dog or move them to a farm, but you can start supporting their gut.

✅ Choose high-quality, minimally processed foods

✅ Add in fermented foods or probiotics (ask your vet!)

✅ Reduce overuse of antibiotics and harsh cleaning products

✅ Filter their water if you can

✅ And most of all, remember that a healthy gut = a calmer, more balanced pup

Even if your dog already shows signs of fear, reactivity, or anxiety, it’s never too late to start working from the inside out. Supporting their gut health could be a game-changer in their behavioural journey.

The Bottom Line

Behavioural training is essential, but if we ignore the gut, we’re missing a big piece of the puzzle.

Next time your dog seems anxious or on edge, don’t just think about what’s happening around them. Think about what’s happening "inside" them too.

Their behaviour might be more “gut feeling” than you realised.