Dogs’ microbiome from tip to toe

A comprehensive review published in 2021 in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine has shed new light on the complex microbial communities that inhabit various parts of dogs' bodies. The study, conducted by Ana Margarida Pereira from the University of the Azores and Alfonso Clemente from the Spanish National Research Council, provides a detailed overview of the canine microbiome from "tip to toe".

Advancements in Microbiome Research

Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing techniques have allowed researchers to gain unprecedented insights into the microbial communities living in symbiosis with dogs. These communities, collectively known as the microbiome, play crucial roles in canine health and disease.

Microbial Communities in Different Body Sites

The researchers found that different body sites in dogs harbour distinct microbial communities:

• Skin Microbiome: Dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, varying by skin region.
• Ear Canal: Primarily colonised by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes.
• Conjunctiva of the Eye: Hosts a diverse microbial community with dominant phyla including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria.
• Respiratory Tract: The nasal cavity is dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, while the lower respiratory tract has a higher abundance of Proteobacteria.
• Gastrointestinal Tract: Contains Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria, with variation along its length.

Factors Influencing the Canine Microbiome

The review highlighted the influence of various factors on the canine microbiome:

• Age: Puppies have different microbial profiles compared to adult dogs.
• Diet: Different foods lead to distinct shifts in gut microbial communities.

Microbiome and Canine Health

Microbiome alterations are linked to various health conditions:

• Skin Microbiome: Changes associated with atopic dermatitis.
• Gut Microbiome: Linked to inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Potential Therapeutic Approaches

Manipulating the microbiome for therapeutic purposes includes:

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Synbiotics

Future Research and Implications

The review explored potential interactions between microbial communities and the gut-brain axis, suggesting possible links between gut microbiome and behaviour. Further research is needed to understand these implications fully.

Looking ahead, the authors emphasised the importance of standardising research methodologies and developing targeted interventions for improving canine health.

Read more here.