If your dog has ongoing tummy or skin issues, this might explain why.

Dog's gut does more than digest food. It plays important role in your dog's immune health and overall well-being.

A healthy gut lining acts like a tight filter (Picture A). It allows nutrients to pass through while keeping harmful substances out, such as bacteria, food allergens, and toxins. In dogs with leaky gut, the intestinal barrier becomes compromised, allowing these foreign substances to “leak” into the bloodstream.(Picture B.)

This can trigger inflammation not only in the digestive tract, but also in the skin and throughout the body.

🔍 What causes leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut can develop over time due to factors such as food allergies, poor nutrition, toxin exposure, or the long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications.

While short-term exposure usually isn’t a problem, chronic exposure can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to ongoing inflammation in the intestinal lining.

🔍 Clinical signs of leaky gut syndrome

Most dogs with leaky gut show gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, soft stools, or weight loss. Some dog may show sign of skin irritation as well.

🩺 How is leaky gut syndrome diagnosed?

Your veterinarian typically begins with a physical exam and a detailed medical history. A fecal sample may be examined for intestinal parasites, and blood work may be performed to evaluate complete blood cell count and serum biochemistry profile.

✨ Good news: gut health can be checked at home 🏠🐶

The leaky gut biomarker test from Innovative Pet Lab looks for specific biological markers linked to intestinal permeability (zonulin and antigliadin IgA).

This test helps assess your pet’s gut lining health and provides tailored recommendations for diets, supplements, and supportive care to help strengthen and repair the gut barrier.

✨ All Innovative Pet Lab test kits are currently 25% off at Happy Pooch Styling & Spa. Feel free to message us if you have questions or want to see if it’s a good fit for your dog.

With real data, you and your veterinarian can create a targeted plan that supports gut healing 🌱