Beyond Brushing: How Microbiome Science is Reshaping Oral Care for Dogs and Cats

As our understanding of pet health continues to evolve, so does our understanding of the microbiome, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live on and within our pets. While much of the attention has historically focused on the gut microbiome, researchers and clinicians are increasingly recognizing the oral microbiome in dogs and cats as a critical factor in both dental and systemic health.

This microbial community, comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining the oral microbiome balance. When this balance is disrupted, dysbiosis, an animal can become more susceptible to periodontal disease, halitosis, chronic inflammation, and even systemic illness involving organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The Oral Microbiome

In dogs and cats, a healthy oral microbiome is dominated by commensal bacteria that help regulate inflammation, compete with pathogenic organisms, and support immune function. In dogs, common bacterial genera include Porphyromonas, Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, and Fusobacterium. Among these, Porphyromonas gulae has been identified as a key contributor to periodontal disease, particularly when overrepresented. In cats, the oral microbiome is similarly diverse, featuring species such as Fusobacterium, Pasteurella, and Porphyromonas, and is particularly relevant in conditions like feline chronic gingivostomatitis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder believed to be triggered or exacerbated by microbial imbalance.

Dog and Cats: Not Small Humans

Despite the growing interest in supporting the pet oral microbiome, much of the foundational understanding of microbial interactions in the mouth has been derived from . However, there are critical differences between the oral environments of humans and those of companion animals that limit the applicability of these findings.

For example, while human mouths are dominated by Streptococcus species, dogs and cats exhibit a significantly different bacterial profile. One study noted that dogs and humans only share 16.4% of their oral bacterial taxa. This highlights the significant differences in the composition of their oral microbiomes and underscores the importance of species-specific research. Furthermore, oral salivary chemistry and pH differ between species. Canine saliva tends to be more alkaline (basic), which favors different microbial populations compared to the more acidic human oral cavity. These differences extend to diet, as well; dogs and cats consume far fewer carbohydrates than the average human, therefore, altering the substrate available to oral bacteria.

These distinctions make it clear that oral care products and strategies validated in human populations cannot be assumed to perform the same way in dogs or cats. A probiotic strain that inhibits plaque-forming bacteria in humans may be entirely ineffective, or even disruptive, in a dog or cat. Likewise, postbiotic compounds derived from human-focused postbiotics may not meaningfully affect the microbial targets most relevant in veterinary dentistry. As such, species-specific research is essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and long-term health outcomes.

Check out this podcast episode from Barking Mad to learn more about why strain and species matter when selecting effective pro- and postbiotics for pets.

Probiotics and Postbiotics

To help restore microbial balance and improve oral health, researchers have increasingly turned to probiotics and postbiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial microbes that support microbial diversity and outcompete pathogenic species.  In the oral cavity, they can and promote a healthier microbial community. For example, a targeted study of Lactobacillus acidophilus MJCD175 observed that this specific strain can significantly inhibit the growth of key oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, suggesting its potential utility in preventing canine dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease.

Postbiotics, in contrast, represent a next-generation approach to microbial modulation. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are non-living microbial byproducts or components, such as organic acids, peptides, enzymes, and cell wall fragments, that are produced during fermentation. These compounds retain many of the functional benefits of probiotics, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, while offering improved product stability, longer shelf life, and no risk of microbial overgrowth.

Recent clinical data supports the value of postbiotics in promoting pet oral health. In a controlled study, a proprietary postbiotic formulation was found to reduce volatile sulfur compounds (also known as VSCs), the molecules responsible for bad breath, in dogs by 27%  compared to a placebo. Notably, this improvement occurred without mechanical brushing, highlighting the biological efficacy of postbiotic action alone. This study suggested that, in the oral environment, postbiotics can inhibit pathogens such as Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium, prevent biofilm formation, regulate pH, and support gingival health by reducing inflammation.

Limitations

Despite these promising findings, postbiotics have yet to gain widespread use in veterinary dental products. One key limitation is cost. Producing stable, biologically active postbiotics requires precision fermentation, filtration, and stabilization, all of which increase manufacturing complexity and expense. Most importantly, while early studies are encouraging, more extensive clinical trials in dogs and cats are needed to establish best practices and gain broader veterinary acceptance.

Looking Ahead

In the meantime, pet owners and veterinary professionals can promote oral health through a combination of daily brushing and VOHC-approved dental diets, chews, and supplements. As research advances, microbiome-centered approaches—including the use of probiotics and postbiotics—are poised to become a foundational part of preventive veterinary care.

In the future, oral health may be assessed not just by the absence of tartar or gingivitis, but by the health and stability of the microbial ecosystem that lines the mouth. BSM Partners has the scientific and regulatory expertise to evaluate emerging research and determine when substantiation is strong enough to move forward with product innovation and formulation. Connect with our team to learn more, and stay tuned for further advancements in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of pet health.

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutrition, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.