Physical and mental changes in an aging dog are common. Less fluid walking, less desire to play, difficult bowel movements, forgetfulness, or simply having more trouble getting up. To help our dogs, we must, of course, understand where these complaints and ailments may come from.
Scientific research increasingly shows that your four-legged friend's intestines not only process food but also communicate directly with the brain (the gut-brain axis).
Your faithful companion's "second brain"
The intestines are often called the 'second brain' in science. This is due to the enteric nervous system: a network of millions of nerve cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestines and the brain are continuously communicating via the vagus nerve, a large neural pathway that sends signals in both directions.
This means that intestinal problems can affect your dog's behavior, and vice versa. Stress or anxiety can lead to digestive upset (think stress-induced diarrhea), while an unsettled intestinal flora can result in a listless, irritable, or anxious dog.
Serotonin: The key to happiness lies in the gut
One of the most surprising discoveries in microbiology is that an estimated 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the intestines, not in the brain. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that regulates your pet's mood, sleep, and stress levels.
As a dog reaches a later life stage, the composition of the microbiome (the population of bacteria in the gut) changes. This imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can lead to the following in adult dogs:
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Physical discomforts: Slower digestion, loose stools, or problems with the natural emptying of the anal glands.
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Mental changes: Reduced stress resilience, being more easily unbalanced, or signs of cognitive decline.
How do you support the gut-brain axis from the seventh year of life?
Because metabolism and gut flora change with age, a generic approach is often no longer sufficient. Restoring gut balance requires specific, live microorganisms that can safely pass through the stomach wall.
This is precisely the science on which we based our Belly & Bottom formula. Instead of using standard ingredients, we focus on advanced, clinically proven strains that perfectly match the needs of older four-legged friends:
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Protected Probiotics: We use patented, acid-resistant spores such as Calsporin® (Bacillus velezensis) and Cylactin® (Enterococcus lactis). These probiotics reach the intestines alive and are scientifically proven effective in stabilizing gut flora and reducing stress-related intestinal complaints.
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Prebiotic Fibers: High-quality fibers such as psyllium and chicory root nourish beneficial gut bacteria. This indirectly supports the production of essential neurotransmitters and at the same time ensures firm stools (the best natural remedy against "scooting" across the floor).
A balanced later stage of life
A healthy gut flora does much more than just solve digestive problems; it is the absolute foundation for your dog's overall well-being. By nourishing the gut-brain axis with high-quality ingredients, you give your dog not only physical comfort but also the mental peace to fully and healthily enjoy this beautiful, later stage of life.
Scientific References:
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Pilla, R., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2020). The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome in Health and Gastrointestinal Disease. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. (Research into the impact of dysbiosis and the role of the microbiome in dogs).
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Mondo, E., et al. (2019). Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat's health and diseases. Open Veterinary Journal. (Study on how probiotics and prebiotics support the enteric nervous system and overall immunity).
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Craig, J. M. (2016). Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs. Veterinary Medicine and Science. (Shows the broad systemic impact of gut bacteria on inflammation and stress responses).