
- 49% of owners report that the last year has had an impact on their pets
- 28% report their dogs have become more anxious during this time
- Purina is raising awareness of the link between dogsâ tummies and their brains and behaviour
With pet ownership soaring during the coronavirus pandemic, Purina PetCare is raising awareness among dog owners about the link between their petâs 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 âgut feelingâ and âbutterflies in the tummyâ commonly used when weâre nervous. But itâs less well associated with our pets.
According to a recent survey by Purina, nearly 40% of dog owners were not aware that the health of their dogâs tummy can affect their behaviour.1
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,2 and a recent study conducted by Purina has identified particular healthy bacteria have a role to play in helping to reduce signs of anxiety in dogs.3
Purina is today 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 wellbeing 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 wellbeing, she was surprised to learn about how diet can be linked to her petâs behaviour. âI know good nutrition is important for Roryâs health, but I didnât realise the health of the bacteria in her tummy was so closely linked to her brain function. I think itâs 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.â
Purinaâs survey found that now weâre resuming ânormalâ activities, 36% of dog owners are concerned about their petâs health and wellbeing 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 wellbeing, just 20% said they would reassess diet.1
Dr Libby Sheridan, Vet and Scientific Affairs Manager for Purina in the UK & Ireland, explains: âMore and more evidence is suggesting that gut microbes help the brain develop and function normally. Weâre 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.â
âWith more people owning pets than ever, itâs a perfect time for us to help owners understand the link between tummies, brains and, therefore, behaviour. Weâre urging doggy parents everywhere to think about what they feed their pet and ensure theyâre giving them a diet that is not only delicious, but also high in nutritional quality â where the diet is complete, balanced and has been developed with a deep understanding of petsâ nutritional needs. In this way, they can help support their canine companionâs gut health and mental wellbeing. Itâs a simple everyday step we can take to give our pets the best day possible, every day.â
For more information about the link between gut health and behaviour in dogs and the pioneering research in this area, visit: https://bit.ly/PI-Microbiome
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