Microbiome is a term for the microorganisms that live on and in our bodies. When the microbiome is balanced, our bodies are happy and healthy. But when there is an imbalance, we start to see health issues and diseases. This is called dysbiosis. Microbiome accounts for 80 percent of the immune system, starting in the mouth. The mouth has more than 1 trillion microbes and the body has more than 100 trillion.

With the overuse of antibiotics, pharmaceutical medications, flea and tick prevention, exposure to chlorine and fluoride in the water, glyphosate in the food, and pesticides on the ground, the microbiome of our pets become severely damaged. This damage can manifest as many different medical issues, such as gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune issues, liver and kidney disease, behavioral issues and even cancer. An imbalance in the mouth can lead to cavities and dental disease.

Feeding a fresh, organic diet is a great start to keep pets healthy. Diet plays a key role in health, but other things can be done as well. Try to use natural flea and tick prevention products. Provide clean, filtered water, or water without fluoride and chlorine. Avoid using pesticides in the yard and avoid places that do use them. Seek out a holistic or integrative vet that can help to replace pharmaceutical medications with effective herbs and treatments.

Of course, there may be times that a pharmaceutical medicine or antibiotic is needed, but often the immune system can be supported naturally to heal itself. Some modalities and therapies that can help to support and heal the immune system and encourage a healthier microbiome include ozone therapy, homeopathy, lower-level laser therapy, herbs, acupuncture, and even topical Manuka honey.

A less known therapy available is Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT) that transplants feces from a healthy donor into an immunocompromised patient. This is most beneficial for patients with severely damaged microbiomes where probiotics alone are not sufficient in repairing the immune system. It is imperative to use a healthy donor that has been raised in a chemical-free home, fed an organic fresh diet and given water free from fluoride and chlorine. The donor should not receive antibiotics, flea and tick medications, pharmaceuticals and should not be exposed to pesticides. Their microbiome should be tested to ensure that they are a good donor. Sometimes the age and sex of the donor is important, too. For instance, by adding biome from a puppy donor to a transplant, it can add to the health and vitality of a compromised recipient.

MBRT can be given orally or as an enema, depending on the need, to feed the body microbes that it should normally be producing. The hope is that the donor microbes will edge out the unhealthy bacteria. This treatment has been helpful for all sorts of ailments including gastrointestinal issues, allergies, autoimmune issues, liver and kidney issues, behavioral issues and cancer. It can also be beneficial for puppies and kittens that have received too many vaccines or deworming medications. Transplants can transform a pet’s life.