Got a Nervous Pup? Start with the Gut
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We're passionate about the science behind natural pet health (and human health, too!). One of the most exciting areas of research right now is the gut–brain connection, and how it may hold the key to your pet’s emotional wellbeing.
What If a Healthy Gut Could Help Calm Your Dog or Cat?
We know that a healthy gut supports digestion, immunity, and even skin health. But what if it could also help your pet feel calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally resilient?
Welcome to the world of psychobiotics - and meet our favourite calming probiotic: Bifidobacterium longum 1714®.
What is Bifidobacterium longum 1714®?
B. longum 1714® is a scientifically studied, trademarked strain of beneficial bacteria developed by PrecisionBiotics Group (Alimentary Health Ltd). It’s naturally found in the gut, but what makes it truly remarkable is its ability to influence the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication system between the digestive system and the brain.
This isn’t just about digestion. This strain may help reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and support better coping with change in both humans and pets.
The Science Behind the Calm
In clinical studies on human participants, B. longum 1714® has been shown to:
Lower cortisol (the stress hormone)
Support clearer thinking under pressure
Improve emotional resilience and mood
Boost vagus nerve activity, a key player in gut-brain communication
📚 In a key study published in Translational Psychiatry (Allen et al., 2016), people who took this probiotic daily for four weeks experienced significantly improved emotional processing and reduced stress responses.
What About Pets?
While most research to date is in humans, dogs and cats share a similar gut-brain axis, and the emerging science is promising.
📚 In one veterinary study, anxious dogs given probiotics showed lower cortisol levels and improved behaviour (McGowan et al., 2018).
Pet pawrents are also sharing encouraging feedback about their dogs and cats responding calmly to this strain.
Common stress triggers for dogs and cats include:
Separation anxiety
New environments or changes to routine
Fireworks
Thunderstorms
Vet visits
While calming herbs like chamomile and passionflower act directly on the nervous system, B. longum 1714® works differently - it works by improving the communication between the gut and brain.
That means it may:
Reduce separation anxiety
Help pets adjust to change
Improve stress resilience
Work synergistically with calming herbs — not against them
Offer a gentle, non-sedating approach to calm
Can It Help Cats Too?
Yes, cats can also benefit from B. longum 1714®, and we’ve ensured our gut health formula, SymbioPaws, is safe for both dogs and cats.
How Long Until It Works?
Like most gut health strategies, this one takes time. Based on clinical research:
1–2 weeks: mild improvements may begin
4 weeks: optimal emotional support is typically observed
Consistency is key. Daily use over time delivers the best results.
Can You Get It from Food?
No. This isn’t a strain you’ll find in yoghurt or kefir. While fermented foods may contain general probiotics, they don’t contain this one in particual - B. longum 1714® is clinically studied and dose-specific.
To support emotional wellbeing through the gut-brain axis, your pet needs:
A targeted strain
A known, effective dose (1 billion CFU daily per 10kg dog)
Daily supplementation over several weeks
That’s exactly what SymbioPaws delivers.
What Else Is In SymbioPaws?
SymbioPaws contains a calibrated dose of B. longum 1714®, alongside:
Prebiotics, to feed beneficial bacteria
Digestive enzymes, to support nutrient absorption and help reduce tummy upset
Together, this trio supports digestive comfort and emotional calm, from the inside out.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Generally, no. This is a gentle, vet-formulated blend designed for everyday use.
Some pets may experience mild symptoms like:
Temporary gas
Slightly loose stools
Changes in bowel movements
Fussy eating (while adjusting to the taste)
These effects are usually mild and short-lived. B. longum 1714® has an excellent safety profile, with no known serious side effects in research. In very sensitive pets, rare reactions such as mild drowsiness or digestive upset may occur.
Always consult your vet before introducing new supplements, especially if your pet is on medication or has a sensitive tummy.
Why We Chose B. longum 1714®
We wanted a probiotic that doesn’t just support digestion, but helps our pets feel better emotionally, too.
At Pawsome Naturals, we’re committed to science-backed, natural solutions that are:
Safe
Gentle
Effective
Free from fillers and fluff
That’s the future of natural calm - and we’re here for it.
Want to Try It?
🛒 Shop SymbioPaws for Gut-Brain Calm
🐾 SerenePaws — our botanical calming blend is coming soon - DM us on our Instagram account and we'll send you a trial pack.
References
Allen, A. P., et al. (2016). Bifidobacterium longum 1714 as a psychobiotic: Modulation of stress, mood, and brain activity. Translational Psychiatry, 6(11), e939. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2016.191
Sarkar, A., et al. (2018). The microbiome in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 22(7), 611–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.04.006
Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701–712. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3346
McGowan, R. T. S., et al. (2018). Evaluation of behavior and cortisol levels in anxious dogs treated with a probiotic. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 25, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.001