Fecal Microbiome Transplants for Dogs and Cats

If your pet suffers from chronic digestive issues, allergies, or even anxiety, the solution might come from an unexpected source—a fecal microbiome transplant (FMT). While the idea may sound unusual, this cutting-edge, natural therapy is transforming the way veterinarians support gut health in dogs and cats in Fort Lauderdale.

At Healing Paws Center in Fort Lauderdale, we take a holistic and science-backed approach to healing. One of the most exciting tools in our wellness toolbox is the fecal microbiota transplant, a safe and effective therapy to restore gut balance and boost overall health.

By improving the fecal microbiome, you have improve the overall health of your pet in so many ways!

What Is a Fecal Microbiome Transplant?

A fecal microbiome transplant (also called fecal microbiota transplantation) involves transferring healthy, filtered gut bacteria from a screened donor animal into the digestive system of a sick or imbalanced pet.

At Healing Paws Center we utilize a unique combination of capsules, enemas, as well as ozone therapy.  Your pet will not need to be put under anesthesia.  The entire process takes about 30 minutes.

FMT works by repopulating the gut with healthy bacteria, restoring balance to the microbiome, the ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes in your pet’s digestive tract.

Why Gut Health Matters for Pets

The gut does more than just digest food. It’s central to your pet’s:

• Immune system function (over 70% of immunity lives in the gut) (2)
• Inflammation regulation, especially for cancer patients
• Skin health/ allergies (4)
• Mental health via the gut-brain axis (3)

A disrupted gut microbiome (dysbiosis) has been linked to a wide range of diseases in pets, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergies, chronic diarrhea, and behavior changes (5).

 Conditions FMT May Help in Dogs and Cats

Many chronic or difficult-to-treat conditions are linked to imbalances in the gut.

Dogs and Cats With:

• **Chronic diarrhea and Chronic vomiting such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
• ***Skin allergies or yeast overgrowth (4)
• Antibiotic-associated GI issues
• Excessive gas or bloating
• ****Cancer
• Recurring infections (e.g., Clostridium perfringens) (1)

In a 2020 study, dogs with chronic enteropathy who received FMT showed improved stool consistency and decreased clinical symptoms WITHIN DAYS!

 Is FMT Safe for Pets?

Yes—when performed by a qualified veterinarian using carefully screened donors, FMT is safe and well-tolerated.

At Healing Paws Center, our donor animals:

• Are healthy, vaccinated, and parasite-free
• Eat high-quality diets
• Are tested for pathogens like parvovirus, Giardia, Salmonella, and Clostridium spp.
  (FECAL Microbiota Transplantation Guidelines, ESVM, 2020)

Benefits of FMT in Pets

1. Restores Gut Balance

Corrects dysbiosis caused by antibiotics, chronic illness, stress, etc. (5).

2. Reduces Chronic Digestive Issues

Improves stool consistency, reduces gas and bloating, and calms inflammation (1)

3. Supports Allergy and Skin Health

Gut imbalance is a root contributor to skin allergies and immune reactivity (6).

4. Boosts Immune Function

A diverse microbiome enhances immune tolerance and reduces systemic inflammation (2).  In human oncology, FMT has been shown to turn non-responders into responders to immunotherapies (like anti–PD-1), improving outcomes in melanoma—suggesting a potential model for pets.  (8)

A recent study showed that dogs undergoing CHOP chemotherapy (vincristine + prednisone) for lymphoma developed significant gut dysbiosis—altered microbial composition and function—linked with post-chemo GI disturbances (7)

5. Improves Mood and Behavior

Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence behavior. Many owners report calmer, happier pets post-FMT (3).

 How Does FMT Compare to Probiotics?

While probiotics are helpful, they contain only a limited number of microbial strains. FMT delivers a diverse, living microbial community, much more reflective of a healthy natural gut microbiome (9).

Think of probiotics as a handful of seeds, while FMT is like transplanting a thriving, mature garden.

 Is FMT Right for Your Pet?

If your pet has tried special diets, supplements, or medications with limited success, fecal microbiota transplantation may be the missing link. It is especially valuable for:

• Recurrent GI or skin issues
• Post-antibiotic recovery
• Food sensitivities or IBD
• Cancer patients
• Behavioral issues tied to gut imbalance

At Healing Paws Center, we tailor every treatment plan with a holistic, integrative approach, using evidence-based therapies like FMT, acupuncture, ozone therapy, supplements, and nutrition.

Resources:

1. Chaitman, J., Jergens, A. E., Gaschen, F., Garcia-Mazcorro, J., Marks, S. L., Maradiaga, N., … & Suchodolski, J. S. (2020). Fecal microbiota transplantation for treatment of dogs with chronic enteropathy: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
   Journal: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(6), 2125–2133.  https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15776
2. Mondo, E., Marliani, G., Accorsi, P. A., Cocchi, M., & Di Leone, A. (2019).
   Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat’s health and diseases.
   Open Veterinary Journal, 9(3), 253–258.
   https://doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v9i3.10 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+4
3. Bailey, Michael T., et al. “Exposure to a Social Stressor Alters the Structure of the Intestinal Microbiota: Implications for Stressor-Induced Immunomodulation.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, vol. 25, no. 3, 2011, pp. 397–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2010.10.023.
4. Sugita, Kengo, et al. “Single Oral Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Induces Clinical and Microbial Changes in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis.” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, no. 1, 2023, article no. 1272. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28397-w.
5. Suchodolski, Jan S. “Intestinal Microbiota of Dogs and Cats: A Bigger World than We Thought.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 46, no. 1, 2016, pp. 163–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.09.001.
6. Rodrigues Hoffmann, Aline, et al. “The Skin Microbiome in Healthy and Allergic Dogs.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 44, no. 3, 2014, pp. 521–526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.03.003.
7. Aragon, Juan, et al. “Impacts of Vincristine and Prednisolone Chemotherapy on the Canine Gut Microbiota in Dogs Undergoing Treatment for Lymphoma.” Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13063.
8. Baruch, Erez N., et al. “Fecal Microbiota Transplant Promotes Response in Immunotherapy-Refractory Melanoma Patients.” Science, vol. 371, no. 6529, 2021, pp. 602–609. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb5920.
9. Weese, J. Scott, and Murray D. Jelinski. “Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Veterinary Medicine.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 52, no. 1, 2022, pp. 183–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.08.008.

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Why Vitamin D? 

When it comes to your pet’s health, most owners know to keep up with vaccines, heartworm tests, and dental cleanings. But one crucial part of wellness often goes overlooked: Vitamin D levels!

Vitamin D is not just a “bonus” nutrient — it’s an essential part of your pet’s immune, skeletal, and even cardiovascular health.

And unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t synthesize enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone, making it entirely dependent on diet and supplementation.

So why should you test it?

Why Vitamin D Matters for Pets

Vitamin D (specifically 25-hydroxyvitamin D) is essential for multiple key processes in the body, including:

• Immune response – it plays a role in fighting infection and inflammation
  • Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with increased inflammation and decreased survival in critically ill dogs. (2)
  • Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that helps prevent immune overreactions. Testing is especially relevant in pets with: allergies, chronic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autoimmune arthritis or IMHA
• Heart health – deficiencies have been linked to serious conditions like cardiomyopathy and kidney disease
  • In one study, lower Vitamin D levels were also associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events. (6)
• Kidney health
  • Low Vitamin D levels are commonly found in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially contributing to secondary hyperparathyroidism, poor phosphorus regulation, and progression of renal damage (1)
• Calcium and phosphorus balance – crucial for strong bones and teeth
• Muscle strength and nerve function

Low levels of Vitamin D can silently contribute to:

• Chronic inflammation
• Weak bones or dental issues
• Increased risk of infections
• Poor healing or post-surgical recovery

Are Some Pets at Greater Risk?

Yes! Your pet may be more likely to have low Vitamin D if they:

• Eat primarily homemade, raw, or limited-ingredient diets OR commercial diets
  • Even many commercial pet foods do not meet ideal Vitamin D targets despite meeting AAFCO minimums (3)!
  • Vitamin D levels in food do not always correlate with blood levels in pets, meaning dietary intake alone may be an unreliable indicator of sufficiency. (5)
• Have chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease or CANCER!
• Are aging or immunocompromised
• Have frequent infections, joint issues, or low energy levels

How is Vitamin D Tested in Pets?

Healing Paws Center can perform a simple blood test can measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, the most accurate marker of Vitamin D status. It’s often included in our broader nutritional or wellness panel.

At Healing Paws Center, we recommend Vitamin D testing for:

• Pets with unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or mobility issues
• ***ALL CANCER PATIENTS  Dogs with lymphoma and other cancers have been found to have lower Vitamin D levels, and higher Vitamin D levels at diagnosis have been linked to longer survival times. (4)
• Those on non-standard diets
• Senior pets as part of routine checkups
• Pets recovering from injury, illness, or surgery  In a study of hospitalized dogs, those with low serum Vitamin D levels had a higher risk of death, making it a potential biomarker for overall health. (2)

The results tell us whether your pet is deficient, insufficient, or optimal, allowing us to tailor supplements and diet to your pet’s specific needs.

What If My Pet Is Deficient?

The good news is that Vitamin D levels can be corrected with:

• Vet-guided supplementation (important — overdosing can be extremely harmful!)
• Adjustments in diet, especially for pets on homemade or exotic proteins
• Re-testing to ensure safe, effective progress
• Supportive therapies for inflammation, muscle strength, or immune function

Caution: Do not give your pet human Vitamin D or over-the-counter supplements without veterinary guidance—overdosing can be toxic.

The Bottom Line

• Vitamin D is more than a vitamin — it’s a vital building block of your pet’s health. Testing it can uncover hidden imbalances before they become serious, helping your pet live a longer, stronger, and healthier life.
• If you’re interested in checking your pet’s Vitamin D levels, contact us today to schedule a wellness screening. A simple test could make a big difference!

Resources:

1. Parker, V. J., Harjes, L. M., Dembek, K. A., Young, G. S., Giacopuzzi, B., & Chew, D. J. (2017).
   Association of vitamin D metabolites with parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcium, and phosphorus in dogs with various stages of chronic kidney disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(3), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14662
2. Gow, A. G., Else, R., Evans, H., Berry, J., Herrtage, M. E., & Mellanby, R. J. (2011). Vitamin D status is associated with disease severity and survival in dogs with chronic illness. PLoS ONE, 6(1), e14513. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014513
3. Sharp, C. R., Selting, K. A., & Ringold, R. (2015).
   The effect of diet on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 99(2), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12225
4. Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016).
   Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3
5. Backus, R. C., Boretti, F. S., Lutz, T. A., & Reusch, C. E. (2013). Vitamin D metabolism in dogs and its association with health outcomes: A review. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 74(9), 1159–1166. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.9.1159
6. Kraus et al., 2014 – A study published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with congestive heart failure had significantly lower Vitamin D levels, and those with lower levels experienced more adverse cardiac events.
7. Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3

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