Hello! It’s that time of year again—flea and tick season… yuck! 🐾 But I thought this would be a great opportunity to start a conversation tomorrow night during our monthly meet up and share what everyone is currently using and doing for prevention. We’ll be focusing on more natural approaches, but this is always a judgment-free space, so please feel comfortable sharing whatever works for you and your dog Looking forward to seeing you all there! what I do whenever I feel something on me! lol

When it comes to your dog’s health, everything truly starts in the gut. The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria living inside your dog’s digestive system—and it plays a much bigger role than most people realize. What Does the Gut Microbiome Do? Your dog’s gut is responsible for so much more than just digestion: - ~70% of the immune system lives in the gut - Helps break down and absorb nutrients from food - Supports skin health - Plays a role in mood and behavior - Helps regulate inflammation in the body When the gut is balanced, your dog tends to feel and function their best. ⚠️ What Happens When the Gut Is Off? An imbalanced microbiome (also called dysbiosis) can show up as: - Itchy skin or excessive paw licking - Ear infections - Loose stools or inconsistent digestion - Gas or bloating - Low energy or behavioral changes These symptoms are often treated on the surface—but many times, the root cause starts in the gut. What Impacts the Gut? There are a few key factors that influence your dog’s microbiome: - Diet (biggest one!) - Lack of variety in proteins - Highly processed foods - Antibiotics or medications - Environmental exposures This is why nutrition plays such a powerful role in your dog’s overall health. How to Support Your Dog’s Gut The good news—small changes can make a big difference: - Add fresh, whole foods to the bowl - Rotate proteins to support diversity - Be mindful of overprocessed treats and foods - Support the gut consistently (not just when there’s an issue) Remember—this doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even small additions can start to shift things in the right direction. If your dog is dealing with ongoing symptoms, it’s worth asking:“What’s going on inside the gut?” Because when you support the gut, you’re not just addressing one issue—you’re supporting the whole dog. 💬 I’d love to hear from you—Have you noticed any of these signs in your dog?Or have you started adding fresh foods and seen a difference?

I wanted to share with you all I just passed my certification course in the gut microbiome! This was not an easy course as it was made for the veterinary field but It was very insightful and helpful to go through and learn more about canine and feline gut health!!

Hello folks! What you all do and use for dental cleaning? I’ve been brushing 1-2 a week and use some of the “cleaning toys” but is that enough? I’d like to hear more ideas and suggestions from others. TIA

@Amanda Smith what can you tell us about taurine and heart disease prevention in dogs. TIA