Gut microbiome composition is related to anxiety and aggression score in companion dogs

In this study, we assessed dog behaviour using the C-BARQ to develop scores for anxiety and aggression in companion dogs located in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada. By assessing a broad scope of behaviour, we were able to explore relationships between gut microbiome composition and specific behaviours such as stranger-directed aggression, dog-directed aggression, and non-social fear. This study provides novel insight into the links between gut microbiome composition, aggression and anxiety, and highlights Blautia as an important marker distinguishing between higher and lower anxiety levels in pet dogs.