I accidentally discovered cross-species microbiome colonization in my dog

8 days ago

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The author accidentally gave their dog human probiotics (80 billion CFU per day), leading to unexpected behavioral changes.
Within 72 hours, the dog exhibited extreme happiness, reduced energy, and loss of natural scent, causing what appeared to be an identity crisis.
The dog began sniffing himself intensely, as if confused by his own altered scent identity.
The probiotics likely altered the dog's microbiome, affecting neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, leading to both euphoria and disorientation.
The author stopped the probiotics after observing these effects, but the changes persisted for weeks before gradually fading.
The experience raised ethical questions about altering an animal's sense of self for perceived well-being.
The incident highlighted the powerful gut-brain axis and the microbiome's role in identity and consciousness.
Long-term, the dog remained calmer but retained some behavioral changes, as if permanently affected by the experience.

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