Inside your pet’s gut lives an entire ecosystem of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses and more, collectively known as the microbiome. Far from being just about digestion, this microscopic community plays a central role in immunity, metabolism, behaviour and skin health.

At i-screenPets, we empower pet parents with access to microbiome testing so they can make informed, proactive decisions about their animal’s care. Gut health is foundational to overall wellbeing, and testing provides insights you simply can’t see from the outside.

What Is the Microbiome?

The microbiome refers to the trillions of microbes living primarily in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. These organisms help break down food, synthesise vitamins, regulate inflammation and even communicate with the brain via the gut-brain axis.

When the microbiome is in balance, your pet thrives. But when that balance is disrupted, due to antibiotics, stress, poor diet or illness, it can contribute to issues such as:

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Food intolerances
• Skin inflammation or itching
• Anxiety and behavioural changes
• Weakened immune function

A 2021 review in Veterinary Clinical Pathology noted that the gut microbiome in dogs and cats functions like a metabolic organ, influencing not only digestion but systemic health. It highlighted that imbalances, or “dysbiosis,” have been associated with both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal conditions. (PMC9292158)

Why Microbiome Testing Matters

Microbiome testing gives pet parents real, personalised insight into their pet’s internal health. It removes guesswork and allows for targeted interventions.

Testing can help you:

• Identify imbalances in beneficial and harmful bacteria
• Detect overgrowths like Clostridium, E. coli or yeast
• Understand how well your pet is digesting and absorbing food
• Tailor nutrition, prebiotics, probiotics and lifestyle to support gut recovery

A 2020 review in Frontiers in Microbiology supports this, showing that prebiotic and probiotic interventions can significantly alter the gut microbiota, improving outcomes for pets with gastrointestinal issues.

How Microbiome Testing Works at i-screenPets

Our test is designed to be easy and stress-free:

• Collect a small faecal sample using our at-home kit
• Send it to our accredited lab for microbial DNA analysis
• Receive your pet’s personalised report through our secure dashboard

Your results include:

• A breakdown of key bacterial populations
• Diversity scores to assess microbiome resilience
• Inflammation markers and gut health indicators
• Clear guidance on next steps including food, supplements and lifestyle

Optional veterinary support is available to help interpret your results and create a plan tailored to your pet.

Who Should Consider Testing?

Your pet may benefit from microbiome testing if they have:

• Ongoing or intermittent digestive issues
• Frequent itching, skin flare-ups or ear infections
• Food sensitivities
• Anxiety or restlessness
• A history of antibiotic or medication use
• Or if you simply want to establish a preventative health baseline

In 2024, a large-scale meta-analysis of over 2,600 pet samples found that reduced microbial diversity and dysbiosis were linked to multiple chronic conditions in both dogs and cats.

The Future of Pet Health Starts in the Gut

The microbiome is one of the most exciting and fast-evolving areas in veterinary science. By understanding what is happening inside your pet’s gut, you can support their health in ways that are proactive, evidence-based and truly personalised.

Curious about your pet’s microbiome? Order your testing kit from i-screenPets today and take the first step towards deeper insight and better health.