We often think of the gut as just the part of the body that handles food and waste—but for pets, it’s much more than that. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the microbiome, which influences everything from nutrient absorption to immune defense. What many pet parents don’t realize is that these same gut microbes can directly affect a pet’s behavior, mood, and energy levels.
At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we’ve seen firsthand how pets with poor gut health can show symptoms that look like anxiety, lethargy, or even aggression. Understanding the gut-brain connection is a major step toward improving your pet’s overall well-being.
The Gut-Brain Connection: What’s Happening Inside Your Pet?
Your pet’s gut and brain are in constant communication. This link, called the gut-brain axis, is a two-way communication system made possible by nerves, hormones, and bacteria. About 90% of serotonin—the hormone that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite—is produced in the gut. When the gut is imbalanced, it can affect how much of these feel-good chemicals are being made and circulated.
So when your pet’s microbiome is off—whether due to poor diet, antibiotics, or chronic stress—it doesn’t just lead to tummy troubles. It can make your pet more irritable, withdrawn, hyperactive, or sluggish.
Signs That Gut Health Might Be Affecting Your Pet’s Behavior
Not every behavior change is rooted in gut health, but there are clues that something might be going on internally. Keep an eye out for:
- Sudden changes in energy—either unusually tired or overactive
- Picky eating or loss of appetite
- Unexplained anxiety or restlessness
- Frequent diarrhea, gas, or constipation
- Licking or chewing at the paws or skin
- Increased aggression or clinginess
If your pet’s personality has shifted and you’re not sure why, it might be time to look beyond behavior and examine what’s happening in the digestive system. The team at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital is trained to assess these kinds of holistic issues and connect the dots between mood and gut function.
The Role Of Probiotics, Prebiotics, And Nutrition
Improving gut health starts with feeding the good bacteria. This can be done through a balanced diet, targeted probiotics, and prebiotics (special fibers that fuel beneficial microbes). While some commercial diets do include probiotics, the quality and quantity often vary.
We recommend speaking with a vet before starting any supplements. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we guide pet parents through selecting high-quality products that suit their pet’s unique needs—especially if your pet has food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic GI problems.
Antibiotics And Gut Recovery: What Pet Owners Should Know
Antibiotics are sometimes necessary, but they can also disrupt the delicate microbial balance in your pet’s gut. After antibiotic treatment, many pets experience temporary mood changes, digestive issues, or decreased appetite.
This is where post-antibiotic gut support becomes important. Probiotics and gut-soothing diets can help rebuild balance and prevent long-term issues. We often include gut support protocols as part of post-treatment care plans here at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital.
Balanced Gut, Happier Pet
When your pet’s gut is functioning well, everything else starts to fall into place. They digest food better, absorb more nutrients, feel more energetic, and even sleep more soundly. More importantly, their mood stabilizes—they’re more playful, relaxed, and affectionate.
If you’ve been noticing changes in your pet’s behavior or energy levels, it’s worth exploring their gut health. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we take a whole-body approach to pet care—because what’s happening inside matters just as much as what we see on the outside.
To schedule a wellness consultation or talk about your pet’s digestive health, call us at (604) 581-1108. We’re here to help your furry friend feel their best—body, mind, and belly.
