Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of allergies in dogs

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic disease that usually requires a lifelong treatment. In Switzerland, depending on the breed, almost every second dog suffers from an allergy. Allergy treatment is usually based on suppressing the symptoms – such as itching, skin and ear infections – but is not able to cure the disease. These medications can be associated with major side effects, especially in the long term. Immunotherapy with allergens is currently the only causal form of therapy, but it is only effective in half of the patients and is given mostly by injection. Researchers are therefore constantly looking for new and healthy ways to treat an allergy.

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Are there new ways to treat allergies in dogs?

Studies show that the gut microbiome plays a key role in the development of chronic diseases. The «good» bacteria not only defend against the «bad» ones, but they also train a healthy immune system. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT, stool transplantation) is a new, promising tool for improving the gut microbiome. Pilot studies have shown that FMT is also effective for allergies.

Study information

How is FMT performed?

The dogs receive a rectal transplant (enema) 3 times in 1-month intervals. The enema takes a few minutes and is not painful. It is beneficial if your dog has already defecated before. In addition, you will receive tasteless capsules, which you administer 1x daily on an empty stomach. The therapy has no side effects.

How is FMT performed?

How does fecal microbiota transplantation work?

The microorganisms in the feces interact with the constituents of the intestinal wall and with this influence the intestinal permeability, absorption/excretion of nutrients, synthesis of vitamins, fermentation of carbohydrates, metabolism of bile and hormones. They have a positive influence on the immune system.

How long does the study last and how many visits are necessary?

The study duration is 3 months (4 visits). Additionally, we would like to see patients who respond successfully after 6 and 12 months.

What do you have to do as an owner?

You have to bring feces in a normal poop bag (Robby dog) to each recheck, keep a diary of your dog’s symptoms, administer the capsules and keep the scheduled appointments.

What samples are taken in the study?

Fecal-, blood-, and skin samples.

Is this study placebo controlled?

Yes. Half of the participating dogs (25 of 50 dogs) will be treated with a placebo. The placebo capsules and FMT capsules will look the same, and both the owner and the veterinarians will be blinded as to the content of the capsules. The allocation is randomized and neither the owner nor the veterinarian can influence it.

What if my dog is assigned to the placebo group?

After 3 months of placebo therapy, your dog has the option of receiving FMT.

Does FMT work for every dog?

Pilot studies show that this therapy works in many patients, more exact numbers are missing because the number of patients is scarce. We suspect that at least 60% of dogs will benefit from the FMT.

What do we do if FMT works well for my dog, but symptoms return after the end of the study?

After the end of the study it will be possible to continue the FMT therapy.

Who can participate in the study?

A new study has been running at the University Veterinary Hospital Zurich since October 2023 to investigate stool transplantation as a new therapeutic approach in allergic dogs.

By participating in the study with your healthy or allergic dog, you are making a valuable contribution to research into the pathogenesis and treatment of atopic dermatitis. We hope that this will enable us to provide many allergic animals and people with well-founded new treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you and your dog!

1. FMT for your allergic dog

Please write to us, if you would like to try this form of therapy for your allergic dog.

Allergic dogs should fulfill the following inclusion criteria

Dogs with an environmental allergy lasting > 1 year and continuous (all-year round) symptoms
Dogs, which are positive in the allergy test at least against house dust mite allergens
Dogs that still show significant allergy symptoms despite a strict elimination diet
These dogs may have concurrently also a food allergy
Negative fecal analysis by flotation (performed maximum 1 month ago)
Dewormed once monthly during the study (or preventive monthly fecal analysis)
Regular flea and tick control

2. We are also looking for healthy dogs

To study which patients will benefit from this form of therapy in the future and to understand how the therapy is functioning.

Healthy dogs should fulfill the following inclusion criteria