Your dog’s gut tells a story - one that shapes their energy, comfort, and happiness. The Dog Microbiome Test explores the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut to reveal how it may be affecting digestion, skin, immunity, and even mood. Perfect for dogs with ongoing issues or for owners who want to give their best friend truly personalised care from the inside out.
For dogs needing deeper insight into microbial balance
The gut microbiome plays a key role in everything from digestion to emotional regulation. When the microbial ecosystem is out of balance, it can quietly drive chronic issues like itchy skin, gut sensitivity, poor coat quality or immune dysfunction. This test maps the key bacterial groups and compares them to healthy reference ranges to identify dysbiosis and guide targeted support.
Our Gut Microbiome Test uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing to provide a detailed profile of the bacteria within your dog’s gut and how they compare with healthy reference ranges. Every test also includes PCR screening for important gastrointestinal pathogens, providing insight into both microbial balance and potential infection. View a sample report here.
The gut microbiome is central to long-term health. Even without obvious digestive symptoms, microbial imbalance can contribute to chronic inflammation, immune reactivity, poor nutrient absorption or anxiety-like behaviour. This test offers a foundational look at your dog’s internal ecosystem to support early intervention or tailored nutrition.
Your dog’s report will include vet-reviewed recommendations for prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics based on their individual microbiome profile.
This screen is ideal for:
Dogs with itchy skin, soft stools or suspected food sensitivities
Dogs with chronic inflammation or poor response to diet changes
Dogs that have received antibiotics, steroids or long-term medications
Pet parents looking to personalise nutrition, probiotics or supplement routines
What's included
Dog Gut Health Copilot
Your dog’s gut plays a central role in their overall health - influencing digestion, energy, skin condition, immunity, and even mood. This personalised health profile brings their results to life, showing how well each area is functioning and where targeted support may help. Explore the domains below to understand your dog’s unique microbiome balance and discover practical steps to support their gut health.
Microbial Diversity
Microbial diversity reflects the variety and balance of different bacterial groups living in your dog’s gut. A diverse microbiome is associated with stronger immunity, better digestion, reduced inflammation, and greater resilience against disease. This section measures the major bacterial phyla alongside key diversity and dysbiosis indices to reveal the overall health and stability of your dog’s gut ecosystem.
This stool test measures:
Bacterial Pathogens
These bacteria are typically only clinically relevant when present at elevated levels, particularly if they align with gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea or gut upset. Some of these organisms can also have zoonotic potential, meaning they may be relevant to human health in certain situations, especially in vulnerable households. Interpretation should always consider overall microbiome balance, clinical signs and context, as low-level detection alone does not indicate disease.
This stool test measures:
Commensal & Opportunistic Interface
These bacteria are commonly found in the canine gut and may be part of a normal microbiome at low to moderate levels. They become more relevant when significantly elevated, especially if they appear alongside reduced diversity or other signs of imbalance. Balanced levels generally suggest these organisms are coexisting within the gut ecosystem without dominating or disrupting microbial stability.
This stool test measures:
Fibre Fermentation & SCFA Support
These bacteria help ferment dietary fibres into short-chain fatty acids, which are important compounds that support gut lining health, stool quality and microbial balance in dogs. This group gives insight into how well the gut microbiome may be using fibre to produce beneficial postbiotics that help nourish the intestinal environment. Balanced levels are generally associated with better stool consistency, digestive resilience and a more stable gut ecosystem.
Beneficial & Protective Bacteria
Beneficial bacteria are the guardians of your dog’s gut. They support the protective mucus lining, help regulate immune responses, and crowd out harmful organisms. This section measures key protective species including Akkermansia (critical for gut barrier integrity), Bifidobacterium strains (important for immune health), and Lactobacillus species (essential for maintaining a balanced microbial environment). Low levels of these bacteria may indicate a gut that is more vulnerable to inflammation and infection.
Fungal Species
Yeast and fungi naturally exist in small amounts within your dog’s gut but can cause health problems if they grow unchecked. Fungal overgrowth may contribute to digestive discomfort, skin irritation, ear infections, and weakened immunity. Assessing fungal balance helps identify hidden drivers of persistent symptoms and supports targeted treatment and recovery.
This test measures:
Parasites
Parasites can disrupt your dog’s digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut lining integrity - sometimes without any obvious symptoms. Detecting parasitic infections early allows for prompt treatment to restore gut function and prevent further health complications. Regular screening is especially important for dogs with chronic digestive or immune issues, those in multi-pet households, or dogs that spend time at parks, beaches, or in bushland.
This stool test measures:
Worms
Intestinal worms can cause a range of digestive and immune issues in dogs, particularly if left undetected. They may lead to poor nutrient absorption, weight loss, anaemia, and a compromised gut barrier. Identifying and addressing worm infections helps restore proper gut function and supports your dog’s overall wellbeing. Screening is an important step, especially for puppies, rescue dogs, and those with regular outdoor access.
This stool test measures:
Viral Pathogens
Certain viruses can infect your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and contribute to inflammation, digestive symptoms, and immune system strain. Identifying viral infections supports a clearer understanding of gut health and helps guide appropriate treatment and immune support. Early detection can help minimise long-term effects on gut function, particularly in puppies and senior dogs.
This stool test measures:
Test instructions
Your titre test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, ready to take to your veterinary clinic.
Have a veterinarian or veterinary nurse collect the blood sample using the test kit provided.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging provided.
Results are typically available within 1–2 weeks and will be published in your online dashboard.
Find out what’s really going on inside your pet's mouth. This easy, at-home oral microbiome test uses state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology to detect bacterial imbalances and the presence of harmful bacteria, even before symptoms occur. Use the customised recommendations to make informed choices for your dog’s unique oral and dental health needs.
Every i-screenPets report already includes clear, vet-written interpretations and recommendations, so you’ll have all the key insights you need. If you’d like a more personalised discussion, you can book an optional results consultation with our veterinary team to explore your pet’s results in more detail.