Ever asked yourself, “Why is my dog still itching, even after changing their food?”
Or maybe, “Is my pet reacting to everything and I can’t figure out why?”
You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. The missing link? It often starts in the gut. In this blog, based on my conversation with holistic pet health coach Melissa Natanson, we’ll walk you through how she healed her dog Darla’s severe IBD, allergies, and skin flare-ups—naturally.
You can scroll through the steps below, or watch the full video here for real-time insights and guidance.
What Is Leaky Gut—and Why It Matters for Your Pet
What is leaky gut in dogs?
Leaky gut happens when the intestinal lining is damaged or inflamed, allowing undigested food and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers the immune system and creates inflammation throughout the body.
Common signs of leaky gut:
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Constant itching or licking paws
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Recurrent ear infections
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Chronic diarrhea or vomiting
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Food sensitivities or seasonal allergies
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Anxiety or behavioral changes
Want a deeper dive? Read more about healing leaky gut in dogs here.
The Hidden Link Between Gut Health and Allergies
Can allergies really start in the gut?
Yes—and they often do. Over 70% of your pet’s immune system lives in the gut. When the gut is inflamed, the immune system becomes reactive to everyday things like chicken, beef, pollen—even wind.
Darla used to break out in full hives just from a breeze. Once we healed her gut? Those reactions disappeared.
How to Identify and Remove Food Triggers
How do I know what foods my dog is reacting to?
Start with a sensitivity test like Glacier Peaks or NutriScan. This gives you a clear picture of which foods to avoid while the gut heals.
Here’s how to get started:
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Run a food intolerance test
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Remove trigger ingredients from your dog’s diet
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Use a home-cooked or The CrockPet Diet tailored to their needs
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Rotate proteins every 1–2 weeks to prevent new sensitivities
Explore more about building a rotational fresh food diet here.
Using Probiotics and FMT to Rebuild the Microbiome
What’s the best probiotic for dogs with gut issues? Spore-based probiotics like MegaSporeBiotic survive digestion and help balance the gut without overfeeding just one bacterial strain.
Melissa used MegaSpore and Gussie’s Gut in rotation to rebuild Darla’s gut. Eventually, she added FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplant)—which helped reset Darla’s entire microbiome in just days.
Natural Remedies to Soothe and Heal the Gut
What natural supplements help heal the gut? Healing your pet’s gut doesn’t require dozens of pills. Just a few key remedies can make a big difference.
Top gut-healing tools:
- Slippery elm & marshmallow root – soothe the gut lining
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Quercetin – a natural antihistamine
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Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation
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Colostrum – modulates immune response
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Digestive enzymes – help with absorption
Read more about natural allergy support without Apoquel here.
How Stress and Trauma Affect the Gut-Brain Connection
Can stress cause gut problems in dogs? Yes. Chronic stress (especially in rescue dogs) activates the sympathetic nervous system, which slows digestion and disrupts healing.
Helping your dog calm down—through grounding, breathing together, and emotional support—can directly improve their gut health.
Melissa used singing, touch, and quiet time to regulate Darla’s nervous system. As their bond deepened, so did Darla’s recovery.
What to Expect When Healing Takes Time
How long does it take to heal a dog’s gut? Some pets improve in just a few weeks. For deeper healing, expect 3–6 months.
You might notice:
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Rapid improvement in itching or digestion
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Occasional flare-ups during detox
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A calmer, more vibrant dog over time
Stick with it—it’s worth it.
Next Steps: Personalized Support for Your Pet’s Gut Health
Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure what to try next?
Book a personalized strategy session to get expert guidance tailored to your pet.
Explore more gut health blogs if you’re still learning
Browse our recommended supplements for natural healing support
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Healing starts today—with the right support and a plan that actually works.
