Why Your Dog’s Gut Is the Key to Summer Health—From Skin to Mood to Mobility

Is your dog dragging their paws this summer? With hotter days, more outdoor play, and surprise changes to routine, even the most energetic pups can feel off. But the secret to keeping the pep in their step all season long might just start in their belly. So let’s explore the gut and learn how to support it throughout the business of summer. 

Gut Health & Summer Energy: What’s the Connection?

You’ve probably heard that “health starts in the gut,” and that’s just as true for dogs as it is for humans. But what does gut health really have to do with your dog’s ability to run, jump, and play when summer is in full swing?

During summer, dogs face stressors like:

• Food changes (scraps, travel)

• Seasonal allergens

• Heat 

• Increased activity

• Fireworks

• Separation anxiety when left with a sitter during vacation

These versions of stress can take a toll on your dog's system, disrupting the delicate balance in their microbiome.[1] You can think of the gut as your dog’s power supply—it’s not just responsible for digesting food, and if turned off, it can affect the function of the following areas:[2,3,4]

• Absorbing key nutrients like omega-3s and amino acids

• Managing inflammation that can affect joints and muscles

• Regulating energy metabolism for daily zoomies and adventures

• Strengthening the immune system to fight against everyday bacteria and infection 

The Big Benefits of a Healthy Gut for Summer Fun

No dog parent wants to deal with an out-of-whack gut when there are so many adventures to be had with their best friend. 

Here are five ways that optimizing your dog’s digestive system can increase their comfort, happiness, and overall health—not just for summer but all year long:

1. Better Nutrient Absorption

You could be feeding your dog the most well-rounded diet, but they will only be able to get the full benefits from each bite if they have a healthy gut. In a healthy gut, partially digested food travels from the stomach to the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed and then enter the bloodstream to be utilized throughout the rest of the body.[5]

The multiple probiotic strains and digestive enzymes found in these Digestive Support Soft Chews help to break down food so your dog can absorb vitamins and minerals more effectively.* 

2. Comfortable Joints

High levels of inflammation have been linked to joint stiffness and soreness, which could be more noticeable after active days in the sun.[6] A balanced gut helps keep inflammation levels in check because the gut lining remains tight and keeps inflammatory triggers from entering the bloodstream that could cause further inflammation.[6] 

3. Stronger Immunity = Less Downtime

The gut houses about 70% of your dog’s immune system, so improving gut health is a step towards promoting a strong and diverse microbiome that can help support a healthy immune system and digestive balance. There’s no time to put playtime on the back burner.[7] 

Want an immune system that works for your pup and not against them? These Itch & Allergy Soft Chews are designed to assist the immune function and healthy skin, with real ingredients like colostrum, salmon oil, and licorice.

4. More Energy & Stamina

A dog's body needs the right nutrients for normal function. A nutrient deficiency in vitamins or minerals can cause energy levels to plummet, but optimal nutrient uptake from smooth digestion or with a Daily Multivitamin supplement can keep your dog energized without midday crashes.[4]

5. Gut-Brain Axis = Mood Boost

Did you know that the gut and brain communicate with each other? This means that the health of the digestive system can influence brain function and vice versa. 

Most of a dog’s serotonin is produced in the Gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), so in an optimized gut, serotonin production is supported, which may contribute to a relaxed, focused pup—even during stressful seasonal events like travel or fireworks.[8] 

For a wave of calm, try implementing these Calming Soft Chews into your dog’s routine. They feature L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, two amino acids known to help promote relaxation and balanced behavior in dogs.*

How PupGrade Supports a Healthy Gut—Inside & Out

At PupGrade, we know that real health starts within. That’s why we take gut health seriously, especially when it comes to supporting active, happy dogs all summer long.

Our Joint Support Soft Chews are formulated with glucosamine, MSM, and green-lipped mussel to support joint health and mobility, while also helping maintain a normal inflammatory response, which is closely connected to gut health.*

Scoop duty just got a little easier. Our Digestive Soft Chews help support proper digestion and bowel health. With high-quality ingredients like pumpkin powder and a blend of probiotics to support a healthy inflammatory response and regularity.*

Together, our Digestive and Joint Support soft chews offer a simple daily routine that helps maintain your dog’s gut health and joint function; key systems that work hand-in-paw to keep them active and happy.*

The Results Speak For Themselves 

“My dog has been having trouble with arthritis. Has on and off good and bad days. He has been on joint support now for just a few weeks and hasn't had a bad day since!!” – Terri S.

“That these probiotics/ prebiotics saved our dog. He now has regular, healthy stools and is eating well.” – Nancy B.

“My dog was having trouble with her back legs. Tried all different joint supplements. Tried these and they worked with in a week. She is doing great and would definitely recommend” – Julie S.

“Helps with dog that had a lot of really loose stool. Also use it for the other dogs as maintenance and preventative care. They think it is just a great.” – Elvira A.

FAQ: Gut Health, Summer Play & Supplements

Q: What are the signs of poor gut health in dogs?
A: Digestive issues, reduced appetite, weight gain or loss, bloating or gas, skin problems, lethargy and fatigue. 

Q: What’s the best time to give my dog their joint or probiotic chew?
A: We recommend giving them with a meal to help absorption and minimize any risk of an upset stomach.

Q: Is pumpkin a probiotic for dogs?
A: No, pumpkin is not a probiotic. Rather, it’s a prebiotic that helps maintain proper gut flora.* 

Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. Are PupGrade’s soft chews gentle?
A: Yes. All of our supplements are crafted with high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest, designed for even the most sensitive tummies.

Q: How soon can I expect to see results?
A: While some dogs feel improvements in just a week, most see noticeable changes in mobility, mood, and digestion within 3-4 weeks of consistent use.

The Bounce-Back Begins in the Belly

Whether your pup is a senior starting to slow down or a ball-chaser with boundless energy, giving their gut the support it needs can make all the difference.

Our best-selling soft chews are crafted with love, backed by science, and trusted by thousands of pet parents who want their dogs to live full, mobile lives—this summer and beyond. 

Explore PupGrade’s wide range of products here!

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Gué, M., Peeters, T., Depoortere, I., Vantrappen, G., & Buéno, L. (1989). Stress-induced changes in gastric emptying, postprandial motility, and plasma gut hormone levels in dogs. Gastroenterology, 97(5), 1101–1107. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(89)91678-8 

2. Pilla, R., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2021). The gut microbiome of dogs and cats, and the influence of Diet. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 51(3), 605–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.002 

3. Zeng, M. Y., Inohara, N., & Nuñez, G. (2017). Mechanisms of inflammation-driven bacterial dysbiosis in the gut. Mucosal Immunology, 10(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1038/mi.2016.75 

4. Yang, Q., & Wu, Z. (2023). Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2452. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102452 

5. He, W., Connolly, E. D., & Wu, G. (2024). Characteristics of the Digestive Tract of Dogs and Cats. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1446, 15–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54192-6_2 

6. Clemente, J. C., Manasson, J., & Scher, J. U. (2018). The role of the gut microbiome in systemic inflammatory disease. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j5145 

7. Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. M. J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, 13(3), 886. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030886 

8. Chiocchetti, R., Galiazzo, G., Giancola, F., Tagliavia, C., Bernardini, C., Forni, M., & Pietra, M. (2022). Localization of the serotonin transporter in the dog intestine and comparison to the rat and human intestines. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.802479