Adelaide University researchers and industry partners have uncovered scientific evidence that daily probiotic and postbiotic supplementation can significantly boost gut and skin health in dogs, offering pet owners a promising alternative to antibiotics.
The findings, published in Veterinary Dermatology and Veterinary Research Communications, are the result of one of the most detailed microbiome studies ever conducted in dogs, using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
Over a 90-day period, the team of researchers, veterinary dermatologists and a veterinary company specialising in immune health products for dogs, tracked changes in the microbes of 12 healthy golden retrievers.
They found a significant positive correlation between gut health and skin quality, supporting the gut-skin axis in dogs.
While probiotics are commonly associated with digestive benefits, their broader systemic effects have remained largely unexplored in veterinary science, according to Darren Trott, Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Adelaide University and Director of the Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology.
“This study addressed that gap by examining whether oral supplementation could also influence the skin microbiome – an important barrier against infection and inflammation,” Professor Trott said.
“Our results show that a simple daily supplement can promote beneficial bacteria not only in the gut, but also on the skin. This opens new opportunities to support skin health in dogs without relying on antibiotics.”
After 90 days of supplementation, the researchers observed an increase in beneficial bacterial species – including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus johnsonii and Limosilactobacillus reuteri – in both gastrointestinal and skin samples.
The team also found shifts associated with healthier microbial ecosystems.
Dogs receiving supplementation showed increased microbial diversity, widely recognised as a marker of resilience and health, alongside a reduction in potentially harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is commonly linked to skin infections.
The research relied on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing using PacBio technology, allowing scientists to identify bacterial species with greater precision than traditional methods.
This approach enabled a more comprehensive understanding of how microbial communities evolve over time and across different body sites.
“By focusing on healthy dogs in a controlled environment, we were able to isolate the effects of supplementation without the confounding factors often present in clinical populations,” according to Adjunct Professor Michael Shipstone, from Dermatology for Animals.
“This provides an important baseline for future studies investigating dogs with existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, where microbial imbalance is a known contributor,” he said.
The findings also have broader implications for antimicrobial stewardship.
Skin disease is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use in companion animals, contributing to the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Strategies that support microbial balance without relying on antibiotics could play an important role in reducing this dependence.
“Anything that helps reduce reliance on antibiotics while maintaining animal health is a win,” said Professor Trott.
While the results are promising, further work is needed to determine how these microbiome changes translate to clinical outcomes in dogs with diagnosed skin disease.
Future trials will focus on whether similar supplementation can restore microbial balance and improve symptoms in affected animals.
Notes for editors
The study was conducted in collaboration with Activ Dog Health, a company specialising in microbiome canine health, who submitted their products for rigorous independent testing