Support Your Dog's Microbiome for Better Physical, Mental, Emotional Health with Dr Carol Hughes

Today we launch into all things microbiome! This is honestly one of my favourite topics, because as we discover more and more each day, the microbiome plays such a pivotal role in all aspects of our dogs health, and our own health! 

You’re really in for a treat because my guest is Dr Carol Hughes, who is arguably one of the world’s pre-eminent experts when it comes to the canine microbiome. Carol has had a vast career in bioscience research, and for over 10 years has specifically been engaged in research and development of our companion animal’s microbiomes with her company PetBiome. 

In today’s conversation, Carol and I explore the microbiome as the missing key in the canine diet, and how nurturing this ecosystem, you can vastly improve your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

And, based on the wonderful questions that you guys ask me, Carol and I touch on a range of topics that I know you will find really helpful, including:

*What the microbiome actually is and its role in health

*The pros and cons of probiotics

*The relationship between the microbiome and behavioural challenges like anxiety and aggression

*How dogs’ microbiomes have changed in the post-COVID era

*Easy steps you can take to better support your dog’s microbiome and increase diversity

*Whether a raw or gently cooked diet is better for microbiome health

*and What Faecal Matter Transfer (FMT) is, and how your dog might benefit from it

If you’d like to reach out to Carol, or you’d like to learn more about how to order a microbiome test and report for your dog, visit her website https://www.biome4pets.com

What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? What questions do you still have about your dog’s microbiome and its link to their health? Let me know in the comments, or DM me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama, or contact me through my website https://mysticdogmama.com. It’s such a fascinating and ever-evolving topic, so I will definitely be addressing it further in future episodes, so let me know what you want to know more about.

If you are enjoying the podcast, and haven’t done so already, I would be so grateful if you would consider liking, subscribing, and leaving a review. This really helps me to know what you are enjoying, and it also helps other mystic dog mamas - and papas! - who are looking for help and support to find the podcast and this beautiful community we are creating together. 

This episode is sponsored by Aspirationery ,which in full transparency, is another project of mine where we create books, notebooks, and stationery to support you in becoming all you aspire to be. I’m really excited to announce that we have released a Spanish language version of our popular My First Period Tracker for Young Girls and Tweens in order to increase menstrual literacy and empower young people to become advocates for their menstrual health. You can learn more about our books on our Instagram https://instagram.com/aspirationery

DISCLAIMER: This is not a substitute for medical advice or other relevant professional advice.