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Bacterias
Our Bacterial tests are essential in identifying various bacterial strains that affect health. From beneficial gut flora to pathogenic bacteria, these tests provide a comprehensive view of your bacterial profile. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each bacterium we test for, aiding in precise diagnosis and treatment.
Bacterias
Absiella dolichum is a gut bacterium that is still relatively new and less well established in veterinary microbiome research. It may be detected as part of the dog’s gut bacterial community, but its role is not as clearly defined as many better known gut bacteria. Higher levels may reflect a shift in the wider microbial environment, especially when seen together with altered stool quality, mucus in stool, digestive irritation, or other markers that suggest a less balanced microbiome pattern. Absiella dolichum levels can help add detail to the overall gut profile by showing whether a less commonly discussed bacterial species is becoming more noticeable.
Actinobacteria is a major group of bacteria in the canine gut microbiome. This group includes bacteria involved in digestion, nutrient processing, and support of a stable gut environment. Some Actinobacteria, such as Bifidobacterium species, are often linked to beneficial gut functions. Lower levels may suggest reduced presence of these supportive bacteria, while higher levels may reflect a shift in the overall microbiome composition. Because Actinobacteria include different bacterial species, their meaning depends on which bacteria are present and how they fit into the wider microbiome pattern.
Allobaculum stercoricanis is a gut bacterium commonly found in dogs. It is involved in microbial fermentation, where gut bacteria break down parts of the diet and produce compounds such as lactate and butyrate that can help support the intestinal environment. Allobaculum stercoricanis levels can help show whether bacteria linked to normal digestive fermentation and supportive metabolite production are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet composition, including fat intake, fermentation activity, stool quality, or the broader microbiome pattern.
Bacteroides spp. are a key group of bacteria in the human gut microbiome, essential for breaking down complex carbohydrates and producing short-chain fatty acids. These functions support colon health, help regulate the immune system, and protect against harmful pathogens.
Bacteroides fragilis is a bacterium that can live in the intestinal tract and is part of the broader Bacteroides group. Bacteroides bacteria are involved in breaking down complex carbohydrates and other dietary components, which supports normal gut fermentation and nutrient processing. In balanced levels, Bacteroides fragilis can be part of the normal gut environment. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, digestion, stool quality, or the overall microbiome balance. Bacteroides fragilis levels can help show how this specific Bacteroides species fits into the dog’s broader gut microbiome pattern.
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a gut bacterium involved in breaking down complex carbohydrates and fibre like substances that the dog cannot fully digest on its own. This supports nutrient processing and contributes to the production of compounds that help maintain the gut environment. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron levels can help show how the microbiome handles dietary fibre and carbohydrate fermentation. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, digestion, or the balance between different carbohydrate processing bacteria in the dog’s gut profile.
Bacteroides uniformis is a gut bacterium within the Bacteroides group. It is involved in processing dietary carbohydrates and supporting the normal breakdown of nutrients in the intestine. Compared with some other Bacteroides species, Bacteroides uniformis may help show the diversity of carbohydrate processing bacteria in the gut. In balanced levels, it may be part of a stable gut environment, while changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, fibre intake, or overall microbiome composition.
Bacteroidetes is a major group of bacteria in the canine gut microbiome. This group includes bacteria that help break down dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestion and nutrient processing. Through this fermentation process, Bacteroidetes can contribute to the production of short chain fatty acids, which help support the gut environment and intestinal lining. Lower levels may suggest reduced fibre fermentation capacity, while higher levels may reflect changes in diet, carbohydrate breakdown, or the overall microbiome composition. The meaning of Bacteroidetes levels depends on how they fit together with other bacterial groups in the dog’s gut profile.
Bifidobacterium is a key genus of beneficial bacteria that primarily inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. They play an important role in supporting digestion, enhancing immune function, producing essential vitamins, and combating harmful microbes. Maintaining a balanced level of Bifidobacterium is essential for a healthy gut microbiome.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a gut bacterium from a group often linked to beneficial gut functions. It helps break down certain carbohydrates and fibres and can produce compounds that support a stable gut environment. Lower levels may suggest reduced fibre fermentation and less support from beneficial gut bacteria, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, bloating, gas, irregular stools, constipation tendency, loose stools, or mucus in stool. Higher levels may reflect increased carbohydrate fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or changes in stool frequency.
Bifidobacterium animalis is a gut bacterium from a group often linked to beneficial gut functions. It is commonly associated with stool regularity, gut comfort, and support of a balanced bacterial environment. It can help break down certain carbohydrates and produce compounds that support the intestinal environment. Lower levels may suggest reduced support from beneficial gut bacteria, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, irregular stools, loose stools, constipation tendency, gas, or bloating. Higher levels may reflect increased activity from Bifidobacterium related bacteria, which may be seen together with changes in fermentation, softer stools, gas, or changes in stool frequency.
Bifidobacterium longum is a gut bacterium from a group often linked to beneficial gut functions. It is especially associated with breaking down fibres and complex carbohydrates that are not fully digested earlier in the digestive tract. Through this fermentation, it can produce compounds that support the intestinal lining and help maintain a stable gut environment. Lower levels may suggest reduced fibre fermentation and less microbial support for the gut lining, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, bloating, gas, mucus in stool, loose stools, or irregular bowel patterns. Higher levels may reflect more active fibre and carbohydrate fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or changes in stool frequency.
Bifidobacterium pseudolongum is a gut bacterium from a group often linked to beneficial gut functions. It can help show whether the Bifidobacterium pattern is broad and varied, rather than mainly depending on only one or two better known species. This matters because a more limited Bifidobacterium pattern may be seen together with sensitive digestion, irregular stools, bloating, gas, constipation tendency, loose stools, or mucus in stool. Lower levels may suggest reduced support from this part of the microbiome, while higher levels may reflect more active Bifidobacterium related fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or changes in stool frequency.
Blautia hansenii is a gut bacterium that belongs to the Blautia group. It is involved in microbial fermentation, where gut bacteria break down dietary components and produce compounds such as short chain fatty acids. These compounds can help support the intestinal lining and the overall gut environment. Blautia hansenii levels can help show whether bacteria linked to fibre fermentation and production of supportive metabolites are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, bacterial balance, or the broader fermentation pattern in the gut microbiome.
Blautia obeum is a gut bacterium that belongs to the Blautia group. It is involved in microbial fermentation, where gut bacteria break down dietary components and produce compounds that can support the intestinal environment. Blautia obeum levels can help show whether bacteria linked to fibre fermentation and supportive metabolite production are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, fibre intake, bacterial balance, or the broader fermentation pattern in the gut microbiome.
Blautia producta is a gut bacterium within the Blautia group and is involved in the fermentation of dietary components. Blautia species are linked to the production of short chain fatty acids, which are compounds that help support the gut lining and intestinal environment. Blautia producta levels can help show whether bacteria involved in fermentation and production of supportive gut metabolites are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in fibre intake, digestion, bacterial balance, or the broader pattern of short chain fatty acid producing bacteria.
Blautia wexlerae is a gut bacterium within the Blautia group and is involved in microbial fermentation. It is linked to the production of metabolites, which are small substances made when gut bacteria break down nutrients. These metabolites can help support the gut environment and interactions between gut bacteria and the intestinal lining. Blautia wexlerae levels can help show whether bacteria involved in fermentation and metabolite production are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, fibre intake, bacterial balance, or the broader fermentation pattern in the microbiome.
Campylobacter coli is a bacterium that can occur in the intestinal tract of dogs and other animals. It is related to other Campylobacter species and may be part of a broader Campylobacter pattern in the gut profile. Some dogs may carry Campylobacter species without obvious symptoms, while higher levels may be associated with digestive changes such as diarrhoea, altered stool quality, mucus in stool, gas, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, or lethargy. Campylobacter coli can also have zoonotic relevance, meaning it may be important for hygiene around animals, people, and contaminated faeces. Levels of Campylobacter coli can help show whether Campylobacter related bacteria are present in the dog’s gut profile and how the finding fits together with digestive signs, hygiene factors, and the wider microbiome pattern.
Campylobacter jejuni is a bacterium that can be found in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other animals. Some dogs may carry Campylobacter jejuni without obvious symptoms, while higher levels may be associated with digestive changes such as diarrhoea, soft stool, mucus in stool, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, or lethargy. Campylobacter jejuni may be relevant because it can affect the intestinal environment and, in some cases, has zoonotic potential, meaning it can be relevant for hygiene around animals and humans. Levels of Campylobacter jejuni can help show whether this gut related bacterium is part of the dog’s gut profile and how the finding fits together with digestive signs, hygiene factors, and the wider microbiome pattern.
Campylobacter upsaliensis is a Campylobacter species that can be found in the intestinal tract of dogs. Compared with some other Campylobacter species, it is especially associated with dogs and may sometimes be carried without obvious symptoms. Higher levels may be associated with digestive changes such as diarrhoea, soft stool, mucus in stool, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, or lethargy. Campylobacter upsaliensis can also have zoonotic relevance, meaning it may be important for hygiene around animals, people, and faecal contamination. Levels of Campylobacter upsaliensis can help show whether a Campylobacter species associated with dogs is present in the gut profile and how the finding fits together with digestive signs, hygiene factors, and the wider microbiome pattern.
Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that can be found in the intestinal tract. In some situations, it can produce toxins, which are harmful substances that may irritate or damage the gut lining. This may become more relevant when the normal microbiome balance is disrupted, for example after antibiotic exposure or other changes in the gut environment. Higher levels of Clostridioides difficile may be associated with diarrhoea, altered stool quality, mucus in stool, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, or signs of irritation in the intestinal tract. Presence alone does not always mean that it is affecting the gut, especially if toxin related findings or digestive signs are not present. Levels of Clostridioides difficile can help show whether this toxin producing bacterium is part of the dog’s gut profile and how the finding fits together with digestive signs, toxin testing when available, and the wider microbiome pattern.
Clostridium is a genus of bacteria that includes species naturally present in the human gut as well as others that can cause illness. These bacteria are notable for their ability to form spores, allowing them to survive in harsh environments. While some Clostridium species contribute to gut health, others, such as Clostridium difficile, can cause serious infections, particularly after antibiotic use disrupts the normal gut flora.
Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium commonly found in the canine intestine. It can be part of the normal gut flora, but some strains can produce toxins, which are harmful substances that may irritate or damage the gut lining. Higher levels may be more meaningful when toxin related activity, digestive signs, or a disrupted microbiome pattern are also present. When Clostridium perfringens affects the gut, it is mainly associated with diarrhoea, mucus in stool, increased stool frequency, abdominal discomfort, or signs of large bowel irritation, meaning irritation in the lower part of the intestine. Levels of Clostridium perfringens can help show whether this toxin associated bacterium is increased in the dog’s gut profile and how the finding fits together with digestive signs, toxin testing when available, and the wider microbiome pattern.
Collinsella species refers to a group of gut bacteria involved in carbohydrate processing and energy related activity in the intestine. These bacteria can be part of the normal gut microbiome, but changes in their levels may reflect shifts in how the microbiome processes energy from food, especially carbohydrates. Higher or lower levels may be seen together with changes in digestion, stool quality, gas production, or the overall bacterial balance of the gut. Collinsella species levels can help show whether carbohydrate and energy related bacterial activity is a noticeable part of the dog’s gut microbiome pattern.
Desulfovibrio piger is a sulfate reducing bacterium, meaning it can use sulfur containing compounds during fermentation in the gut. This process can produce hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a strong smell that may affect the gut environment when present in higher amounts. Higher levels of Desulfovibrio piger may reflect increased sulfur related fermentation and may be seen together with strong smelling gas or stool, altered stool quality, mucus in stool, or signs of digestive irritation. Desulfovibrio piger levels can help show whether sulfur related fermentation is a noticeable part of the dog’s gut microbiome pattern.
Enterobacter is a genus of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Usually harmless, these bacteria are part of the natural gut flora and contribute to digestive health. However, an overgrowth of Enterobacter can signal or lead to health problems. Monitoring Enterobacter levels in stool can offer important insights into gut health and aid in diagnosing various conditions.
Enterococcus is a type of bacteria that naturally resides in the human intestines as part of the normal gut flora. It supports aspects of gut health, but an overgrowth in stool can signal microbial imbalance or possible infection, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Enterococcus cecorum is a bacterium that can be found in the intestinal tract of animals. In dogs, it is less commonly discussed than Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, but it may still reflect changes in the gut bacterial community. Higher levels may suggest a shift in the intestinal environment, especially when stool quality, digestion, or appetite has changed. Enterococcus cecorum can help add detail to the Enterococcus pattern in the dog’s gut profile by showing whether a less commonly highlighted Enterococcus species is becoming more noticeable.
Enterococcus faecalis is a bacterium that can normally be found in the intestines of dogs. In balanced amounts, it may be part of the normal gut microbiome. This marker is mainly relevant because Enterococcus faecalis can become more noticeable when the usual bacterial balance is disturbed, for example after digestive stress, diet changes, or shifts in the gut environment. Higher levels may be associated with softer stool, gas, mucus in stool, or changes in stool quality. Its presence alone does not necessarily mean that it is affecting the gut, but increased levels may help show that the bacterial balance in the gut has shifted.
Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium that can occur in the intestines and may be part of the normal gut microbiome. Compared with Enterococcus faecalis, this species is often more relevant as an opportunistic bacterium, meaning it may become more noticeable when the gut environment is disturbed or when normal microbial competition is reduced. Higher levels may reflect a shift toward bacteria that tolerate a less balanced gut environment. This may be seen together with changes in stool quality, gas, mucus in stool, or other signs of digestive imbalance. Enterococcus faecium levels are best understood as part of the broader bacterial pattern in the dog’s gut profile.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless and support digestion and vitamin production, certain types can cause foodborne illness and gastrointestinal infections.
Escherichia coli, often called E. coli, is a bacterium that can normally live in the intestines. Many E. coli strains are harmless and can be part of the gut microbiome, while some strains may become more relevant when the gut environment is disturbed. Higher levels may reflect a shift toward bacteria that grow well when microbial stability is reduced or when the intestinal environment has changed. This may be seen together with diarrhoea, soft stool, abdominal discomfort, gas, mucus in stool, or other digestive changes. Escherichia coli levels can help show whether this common gut bacterium is becoming more prominent within the dog’s broader microbiome pattern.
Escherichia coli Biovare is a distinct subspecies of E. coli that is not typically abundant in a healthy human intestine. It includes various forms, such as hemolytic, mucoid, and lactose-negative types. Elevated levels—especially in the presence of alkaline pH and low beneficial E. coli—may suggest weakened mucosal immunity, often linked to reduced secretory IgA production.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a gut bacterium often linked to beneficial gut functions. It is strongly associated with the production of butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that helps nourish and support the intestinal lining. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is often discussed in relation to gut barrier support and a stable intestinal environment. Lower levels may reflect reduced microbial support for the gut lining and may be seen together with a less balanced microbiome pattern. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii levels can help show whether butyrate producing bacteria are well represented in the dog’s gut profile.
Firmicutes is a major bacterial group in the canine gut microbiome. Many bacteria within this group are involved in fermentation, a process where gut bacteria break down nutrients and produce compounds such as short chain fatty acids. These compounds help support the intestinal barrier, the gut environment, and energy metabolism. Lower levels may reflect reduced fermentation activity or changes in bacteria that support gut stability, while higher levels may reflect shifts in diet, microbial diversity, or overall microbiome composition. Firmicutes levels can help show how this important bacterial group fits into the dog’s broader gut microbiome pattern.
Fusobacteria is a bacterial group commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of carnivorous animals, including dogs. Some Fusobacteria can be part of a normal canine gut microbiome and may be involved in protein fermentation, a process where gut bacteria break down protein related material. Higher levels may reflect changes in diet, stool composition, protein breakdown, or the overall microbial balance in the gut. Because Fusobacteria can be common in dogs, their meaning depends on the wider microbiome pattern and whether other gut markers also suggest imbalance.
Fusobacterium mortiferum is an anaerobic gut bacterium, meaning it grows in low oxygen environments such as the intestine. It is mainly relevant because it may reflect how protein rich food residues are broken down and fermented in the gut. Higher levels may be associated with a gut environment where protein fermentation is more active, and may be seen together with stronger stool odour, gas, or changes in stool quality. Fusobacterium mortiferum levels can help show how protein related residues are being processed within the dog’s gut microbiome.
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacterium that can occur on mucosal surfaces, including the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. This makes it different from some other Fusobacterium markers, because it may reflect bacteria linked to both oral and gut microbial patterns. Higher levels may be seen together with bad breath, changes linked to the mouth or oral microbial environment, digestive irritation, mucus in stool, or changes in stool quality. Fusobacterium nucleatum levels can help show whether bacteria associated with mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth and gut lining, are more prominent in the dog’s microbiome profile.
Fusobacterium perfoetens is a gut bacterium linked to the breakdown and fermentation of protein rich and nitrogen containing material in the intestine. It is especially relevant for understanding fermentation patterns that may affect stool odour and gas production. Higher levels may be associated with stronger smelling stool, gas, altered stool quality, or a gut environment where protein breakdown products are more prominent. Fusobacterium perfoetens levels can help show whether odour related fermentation is a noticeable part of the dog’s gut microbiome pattern.
Fusobacterium varium is a gut bacterium that can add detail to the overall Fusobacterium pattern in the canine microbiome. While some Fusobacterium species are more closely linked to stool odour, protein fermentation, or mucosal surfaces, Fusobacterium varium can help show whether this bacterial group is more broadly represented in the gut profile. Changes in its levels may be associated with shifts in stool quality, signs of digestive irritation, protein fermentation, or the overall balance of gut bacteria. Fusobacterium varium levels can help show whether the Fusobacterium pattern appears as a single finding or as part of a broader microbial shift.
Hafnia is a genus of bacteria commonly found in the intestinal tract and considered part of the normal gut flora. While typically harmless, its presence in stool may reflect changes in gut microbiota or signal potential digestive imbalances.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that colonizes the stomach lining and is known for its role in gastrointestinal disorders. It is commonly associated with peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and an increased risk of stomach cancer. Its ability to thrive in the stomach’s acidic environment makes it a key factor in long-term digestive health.
Helicobacter species refers to a group of bacteria that can live in the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach. Many dogs can carry Helicobacter species without obvious signs. Higher levels may be more relevant when they appear together with signs of irritation in the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract. This may be associated with vomiting, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, weight changes, nausea like behaviour, or other signs of upper digestive irritation. Helicobacter species levels can help show whether bacteria linked to the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract are part of the dog’s gut profile, rather than only reflecting changes in the lower gut.
IgG antibodies are produced later in the immune response and usually reflect past exposure to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. They tend to appear 2–3 weeks after infection onset and can remain detectable for months or years. A positive IgG result does not necessarily indicate an active infection but shows that the immune system has previously encountered the pathogen. In combination with IgM, IgG testing helps differentiate between acute, recent, and past infections.
IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to an acute infection. When IgM against Mycoplasma pneumoniae is present, it typically indicates a recent or ongoing infection. These antibodies appear within 1–2 weeks of exposure and usually decline after a few months. Testing for IgM is useful in identifying the early phase of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, especially in symptomatic individuals.
Klebsiella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria present in environments such as soil, water, and the human gut. Certain species, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, can cause serious infections in the lungs, bloodstream, urinary tract, and wounds. These bacteria are notable for their resistance to many antibiotics, making them a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that can be found in the gut and other parts of the body. In balanced amounts, it may be present without causing problems. Higher levels may reflect increased opportunistic growth, meaning that the bacterium has gained more space when normal bacterial competition is reduced. Klebsiella pneumoniae levels can help show whether the gut profile is shifting toward bacteria that may grow more easily when the microbiome is less balanced. This may be seen together with changes in stool quality, gas, diarrhoea, or signs of digestive irritation.
Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the gut and in certain fermented foods. It plays a vital role in supporting digestive health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and maintaining a balanced immune system.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a lactic acid producing gut bacterium from a group often linked to supportive gut functions. It is especially known for helping maintain an acidic gut environment, which can make it harder for less desirable bacteria to become too dominant. Lactobacillus acidophilus is often associated with gut comfort, regular stool patterns, and balance between different bacteria in the intestinal environment. Lower levels may suggest reduced lactic acid producing activity, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, gas, bloating, loose stools, or irregular stool patterns. Higher levels may reflect increased lactic acid fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or temporary changes in digestion.
Lactobacillus johnsonii is a lactic acid producing gut bacterium from a group often linked to supportive gut functions. It is especially associated with the intestinal lining and the balance between helpful bacteria and bacteria that may grow more easily when the gut environment is disturbed. Lactobacillus johnsonii may help support a gut environment where the bacterial community remains more stable. Lower levels may suggest reduced support from lactic acid producing bacteria near the gut lining, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, altered stool quality, gas, bloating, mucus in stool, or loose stools. Higher levels may reflect increased lactic acid fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or temporary digestive changes.
Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid producing bacterium that can be found in the gut and is also common in fermented foods and plant based environments. It is especially linked to the fermentation of plant fibres and food components from the diet. Lower levels may suggest reduced activity from bacteria involved in plant and fibre fermentation, which may be seen together with bloating, gas, irregular stools, harder stools, or less stable stool patterns. Higher levels may reflect increased fermentation activity, especially after exposure from fermented foods, supplements, or a diet rich in plant based fibres. This may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or temporary digestive changes.
Lactobacillus reuteri is a lactic acid producing bacterium that can live in the gut and on mucosal surfaces. It is especially known for producing substances that can influence which bacteria are able to grow in the local gut environment. This makes it relevant for microbial balance near the intestinal lining. Lower levels may suggest reduced support from bacteria that help keep the local gut environment stable, which may be seen together with sensitive digestion, recurring stool changes, mucus in stool, gas, bloating, or loose stools. Higher levels may reflect increased lactic acid fermentation, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or temporary digestive changes.
Megamonas funiformis is a gut bacterium involved in the fermentation of carbohydrates and other dietary components. During fermentation, gut bacteria break down food residues and produce compounds that can influence the gut environment. Megamonas funiformis levels can help show whether carbohydrate fermentation is a noticeable part of the dog’s gut microbiome pattern. Changes in its levels may be seen together with shifts in diet, stool quality, gas production, or the overall balance of fermenting bacteria.
Peptoclostridium species refers to a group of bacteria that can live in the intestinal tract. These bacteria are involved in the breakdown of proteins and other nutrients by gut microbes. This process is called fermentation and can be a normal part of digestion. When the balance shifts, higher levels of Peptoclostridium species may be associated with gas, stronger stool odour, changes in stool quality, or signs of digestive irritation. Peptoclostridium species levels can help show how protein related material and food residues are being processed within the dog’s gut microbiome.
Phocaeicola vulgatus, previously classified within the Bacteroides group, is a gut bacterium involved in breaking down dietary components and processing nutrients within the microbiome. It can be part of the normal intestinal microbiome and may help show how Bacteroides related bacteria are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Phocaeicola vulgatus levels can add detail about carbohydrate and nutrient processing in the gut. Changes in its levels may reflect shifts in diet, stool quality, or the balance between different gut bacteria.
Prevotella copri is a gut bacterium involved in breaking down fibre, plant based food components, and complex carbohydrates. Its levels can help show whether fibre and carbohydrate fermentation is a noticeable part of the dog’s gut microbiome pattern. Higher levels may reflect stronger carbohydrate and fibre fermentation, while lower levels may suggest that this type of fermentation is less prominent. Changes in Prevotella copri levels may be seen together with shifts in diet, stool quality, gas production, or the overall balance between fibre processing bacteria in the gut.
Proteobacteria is a broad bacterial group in the canine gut microbiome. This group includes both bacteria that can be present as part of the normal gut environment and more opportunistic bacteria that may become more noticeable when the microbial balance shifts. Higher levels of Proteobacteria may reflect changes in the overall microbiome composition, reduced microbial stability, or a gut environment where opportunistic bacteria have more room to grow. Proteobacteria levels can help show whether the dog’s gut profile is shifting toward a pattern that may be less balanced, especially when viewed together with other gut markers.
Proteus is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria commonly linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in individuals with prolonged catheter use or weakened immune systems. They can also cause wound infections and, less frequently, respiratory infections. Proteus species are notable for their resistance to multiple antibiotics, which can make treatment more difficult.
Pseudomonas in stool refers to the presence of bacteria from the Pseudomonas genus, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the gastrointestinal tract. While not typically a common gut inhabitant, it can cause infection or overgrowth, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Its detection may indicate an imbalance in gut microbiota or an underlying condition, especially if gastrointestinal symptoms are present.
Romboutsia sedimentorum is a gut bacterium involved in the breakdown and processing of different food residues in the intestine. Unlike markers that mainly reflect fibre or protein fermentation, Romboutsia sedimentorum may reflect broader nutrient processing linked to a mixed diet. Its levels can help show whether bacteria involved in processing different dietary components are represented in the dog’s gut profile. Changes in its levels may be seen together with shifts in digestion, stool quality, gas production, diet, or the broader balance of nutrient processing bacteria in the gut.
Ruminococcus species refers to a group of gut bacteria that help break down fibre and resistant starch, which are parts of food that the dog cannot fully digest on its own. This makes them relevant for fibre fermentation, stool formation, and the production of compounds that help support the intestinal lining. Balanced Ruminococcus levels may reflect that fibre and harder to digest carbohydrates are being processed as part of the gut microbiome pattern. Changes in this group may reflect shifts in fibre intake, stool consistency, gas production, or the overall balance of fibre processing bacteria in the gut.
Salmonella enterica is a bacterium that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed through contaminated food, raw meat, faeces, water, soil, or environments where Salmonella has been present. Some dogs can carry Salmonella without obvious signs, while others may develop digestive or general symptoms. When Salmonella enterica affects the gut, it may be associated with diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, reduced appetite, low energy, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, or poor general condition. Because Salmonella can have zoonotic relevance, meaning it may spread between animals, humans, and the environment, the finding is best understood together with digestive signs, possible exposure, hygiene factors, and the wider gut profile.
Serratia is a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment and sometimes in the human intestinal tract. While usually harmless in healthy individuals, its presence in stool may be concerning for those with certain health conditions. Detection in stool tests can signal possible gut flora imbalances or infections.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium most often associated with the skin and mucous membranes, but it can sometimes be detected in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not usually considered a core gut bacterium in dogs. Its presence in a gut profile may reflect transfer from skin or mucosal surfaces, or a shift in the gut environment that allows less typical gut bacteria to become more noticeable. Higher levels may be seen together with altered stool quality, digestive irritation, mucus in stool, or other signs that the microbial balance has changed. Staphylococcus aureus levels can help show whether bacteria usually linked to body surfaces are also appearing in the dog’s gut profile.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of dogs. Unlike Staphylococcus aureus, this species is especially associated with dogs and is often linked to the dog’s skin, ears, and other body surfaces. When it appears in a gut microbiome profile, it may reflect transfer from the dog’s own skin or mucosal surfaces, or a shift in the gut environment that allows surface associated bacteria to become more noticeable. Higher levels may be seen together with altered stool quality, digestive irritation, mucus in stool, or other signs that the microbial balance has changed. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius levels can help show whether a dog associated Staphylococcus species is also appearing in the dog’s gut profile.
Streptococcus Group A (Streptococcus pyogenes) is a type of bacteria responsible for a variety of infections, ranging from mild skin conditions and strep throat to serious illnesses like scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, and necrotizing fasciitis. Detecting Group A Streptococcus is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis, allowing for prompt treatment to avoid complications.
Streptococcus species refers to a group of related bacteria that can live in several areas of the body, including the mouth, throat, skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract. Some Streptococcus species can be part of the normal microbial environment, while others may become more noticeable when bacterial balance changes. In a gut profile, Streptococcus species levels may reflect a connection between the intestinal tract and bacteria commonly linked to the mouth and mucosal surfaces. Changes in this group may be seen together with altered stool quality, digestive irritation, gas, mucus in stool, or changes in the broader microbial balance. Streptococcus species levels can help show whether this broad bacterial group is becoming more prominent in the dog’s gut microbiome pattern.
Sutterella species refers to a group of bacteria that can live in the intestinal tract and are often discussed in relation to the gut lining. These bacteria may reflect changes in the intestinal environment, especially near the surface of the gut. Higher levels may be associated with altered stool quality, digestive sensitivity, mucus in stool, or signs of irritation in the intestinal tract. Sutterella species levels can help show whether bacteria linked to the gut lining are becoming more noticeable within the dog’s broader microbiome pattern.
Verrucomicrobia is a bacterial group in the canine gut microbiome that includes bacteria associated with the intestinal mucus layer, the protective layer of mucus that lines the gut. This group includes Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium often linked to mucus turnover and gut barrier support. Verrucomicrobia levels may reflect activity close to the gut lining and how bacteria interact with the intestinal surface. Changes in Verrucomicrobia levels may be influenced by diet, mucus turnover, the gut environment, or the overall microbiome balance.
Weissella cibaria is a lactic acid producing bacterium that can be found in the gut, mouth, and fermented foods. It is less commonly discussed than Lactobacillus, but it can still give useful information about fermentation in the gut. Its presence may reflect activity in the gut, exposure from fermented foods, or bacteria from the mouth. Lower levels may simply mean that this type of lactic acid producing bacteria is less prominent in the gut profile. If this is part of a broader reduction in supportive bacteria, it may be seen together with sensitive digestion, irregular stools, bloating, gas, or changes in stool quality. Higher levels may reflect increased fermentation activity or recent exposure from the diet, which may be seen together with gas, bloating, softer stools, or temporary digestive changes.
Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium that can be detected in stool and is linked to the gastrointestinal tract. It is not considered a typical part of the dog’s healthy gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed through contaminated food, water, faeces, soil, or environments where Yersinia has been present. Some animals may carry Yersinia enterocolitica without obvious signs, while higher levels or detection together with digestive signs may be associated with diarrhoea, altered stool quality, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, low energy, or poor general condition. Because Yersinia enterocolitica can have zoonotic relevance, meaning it may be relevant for hygiene around animals, humans, and contaminated environments, the finding is best understood together with digestive signs, possible exposure, hygiene factors, and the wider gut profile.
