Could food cause my bulldog to suffer from behavior mood swings, aggression, and even air-licking?

Diet and Gut Bacteria Impact on Pets' Behavior and Mood

Great question, Jasmin — and yes, absolutely, food and gut health can play a big role in a dog’s mood and behavior!

The Gut-Brain Axis

Here’s the scoop: there’s something called the Gut–Brain Axis, which is the special communication highway between your bulldog’s belly and brain.

No wonder we humans say things like

• “I’ve got a gut feeling”
•  “It takes guts!”
• “I’ve got a gut feeling”
• “Trust your gut”
• “A knot in my stomach”

Our emotions and digestion are deeply connected, and it’s the same for our pets.

GUT BACTERIA

Simone's gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and they help make

• important brain chemicals (like serotonin and dopamine)
• balance hormones
• and support a healthy immune system

When that balance gets messed up from things like:

1. Antibiotics
2. Other meds and drugs
3. Stress
4. poor diet & nutrition

-the brain can feel it too.

What is Gut Dysbiosis?

That gut bacteria and microbiome imbalance is called dysbiosis and can affect digestion, the skin, neurodevelopment and mental health.

Those imbalances show up as:

• Sudden aggression or anxiety
• Obsessive behaviors (like air-licking or chasing invisible “flies”)
• Depression and mood swings
• Digestive upsets (gas, diarrhea, picky appetite)
• Skin disease and atopic dermatitis

Stress Impact on Gut Microbiome

Anxiety and chronic stress  can change the gut’s gut pH and intestinal lining permeability, leading to “leaky gut” and toxins entering the bloodstream… which only worsens behavior and mood.

How To Prevent and Treat a Gut-Brain Problem?

• Chat with your vet — or ask for a second opinion with a behaviorist or internal medicine specialist.
• Go easy on antibiotics and avoid unnecessary drugs — they’re gut microbiome wreckers.
• Reduce stress — calm routines, plenty of love, and outdoor time help balance those brain waves.
  • L-Tryptophan (Bully StressLess Formula)

• Revisit the diet — try a veterinary GI or hydrolyzed protein diet to soothe the gut.
• Add prebiotics + probiotics to rebuild the good gut bugs.

• Supplement smartly — my go-tos are:
  • Bully Fish Oil (brain + anti-inflammatory support)
  • Bully Botanical Fiber (feeds good gut bacteria, prebiotics)
  • Bully Immune Support & Multivitamin (for overall resilience)

• Move that body! Regular walks and play helps release those bully “happy hormones.”
• If she’s not spayed, avoid pregnancy or C-sections — stress and hormones can make things worse.

Fun Gut & Gut-Bacteria Facts (Bulldog-Mom Edition!)

1. Did you know……your dog has more gut bacteria than actual cells in his entire body?
2. Did you know……gut dysbiosis is linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other mental conditions?
3. Did you know……babies delivered naturally are “bathed” in the mother's healthy bacteria? Because of that, some doctors now recommend that for elective C-sections, parents collect the mother’s birth canal bacteria and gently swab it on the newborn to seed their microbiome.
4. Did you know…Paroxysmal Dyskinesia a neurological condition in pets often confused with epilepsy is treated with a gluten-free, hydrolyzed-protein diet. Food truly is medicine.
5. Did you know……gut health is directly linked to longevity — meaning a healthy microbiome helps your bulldog live longer and better.

Trusted by Vets ~ Recommended by Owners ~ Loved by Bulldogs