09/24/2026
š¶ DOG STRUGGLING WITH ITCHY SKIN OR ALLERGIES? THEIR GUT MAY BE PART OF THE PICTURE.
𤯠Scientists are uncovering a fascinating connection between the GUT, IMMUNE SYSTEM AND SKIN.
In a randomized controlled study, dogs with atopic dermatitis continued taking Apoquel while receiving either a placebo or the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for 90 days.
Dogs receiving LGG had significantly greater improvement in their skin lesions than dogs receiving placebo, and itching significantly improved from baseline in the probiotic group.
š That caught our attention because Dr. Karen Beckerās Primitive Probiotics⢠contains L. rhamnosus GG, along with a diverse combination of canine, soil-derived and other carefully selected probiotic strains to support the gut microbiome.
Studies like this highlight the fascinating connection between the gut, immune system and skin.
And this isnāt the only area researchers are exploring. A new 2026 peer-reviewed study in Frontiers in Allergy found that dogs with skin allergies itched significantly less after C*D-rich Cannabis oil was added, and their itch scores were maintained even after their Apoquel dose was cut by 50%.
The C*D study was small, so larger studies are needed, but together this research highlights why scientists are looking beyond the skin when studying chronic itching and allergies.
For dogs constantly licking, scratching and struggling with their skin, sometimes it makes sense to start with the gut.
š If you want to explore a science-backed probiotic option for your dog, comment BETTERBELLY and weāll DM you the link.