One Health

Both people and pets host a community of microorganisms in their guts that can effect other parts of the body. As such, we are both prone to a lot of similar diseases and health complications that are impacted by our gut health. In both people and pets, signs of a dysregulated gut can manifest in skin issues, stomach/digestion problems, weight changes, and changes in overall behavior/mood. We can promote gut health by managing our stress, keeping regular fitness routines, and maintaining a healthy diet.

What are some useful tips and tools you use to maintain your own gut health? What are some you use to maintain the gut health of your pets?

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Gut health is a powerful example of the One Health connection between people, animals, and the environments we share. While dietary needs may differ-such as between humans who follow plant-based diets and companion animals who thrive on species-appropriate nutrition-the underlying principles for supporting gut health remain strikingly similar. Consistency in diet, access to high-quality nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and appropriate use of probiotics all play critical roles in maintaining balance.

What stands out is how these strategies not only support individual well-being but also illustrate the broader One Health reality: human and animal health are deeply interdependent. By paying attention to gut health across species, we can better understand how lifestyle, diet, and environment shape health outcomes for entire households and communities.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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I'm with a small TX rescue. We have tons of GI issues, since our animals are coming from the streets with very little access to quality food.  After standard deworming for parasites, we utilize psyllium husk, pumpkin, Clay RX, and various probiotics (Forti-Flora, Proviable, Visbiome, Kitty Biome, etc.) to restore gut health. The selection of which supplement to use depends on the type and severity of the diarrhea.  Keeping the food stable and reducing their stress helps them recover faster. 

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Kelsey Whitebay
Medical Coordinator
ROSES
TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2025 05:41 AM
From: T' Fisher
Subject: Why Gut Health Matters for People & Pets

Gut health is a powerful example of the One Health connection between people, animals, and the environments we share. While dietary needs may differ-such as between humans who follow plant-based diets and companion animals who thrive on species-appropriate nutrition-the underlying principles for supporting gut health remain strikingly similar. Consistency in diet, access to high-quality nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and appropriate use of probiotics all play critical roles in maintaining balance.

What stands out is how these strategies not only support individual well-being but also illustrate the broader One Health reality: human and animal health are deeply interdependent. By paying attention to gut health across species, we can better understand how lifestyle, diet, and environment shape health outcomes for entire households and communities.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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At Bubbles Dog Rescue SoCal, we know that both people and pets carry an incredible community of microorganisms in their guts that affect not just digestion but skin, mood, weight, and overall health. When that delicate balance is disrupted, it can show up as itchy skin, tummy troubles, changes in energy, or even behavior shifts.

For ourselves, we like to keep gut health strong by staying active, managing stress, and fueling up with balanced meals. For our pups, we've seen how much a good diet, probiotics, and gentle supplements can help. One tool we've been especially excited about is colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and supports immune and gut health for dogs. Alongside regular exercise, stress-reducing play, and consistent routines, it's made a real difference for some of our rescues as they recover and settle into new homes.

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Isabelle Kreydin
CEO
Bubbles Dog Rescue
CA
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