Canine Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) Capsules for Dogs – Restore Gut Health Naturally
Advanced Gut Health & Microbiome Therapy made on-site at The Vet Lounge Coomera. Capsules Available Through Our Coomera, Ormeau & Currumbin Practices
The Vet Lounge Coomera is proud to be one of only a small handful of veterinary practices in Australia currently offering Canine Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) capsules for dogs with gastrointestinal disease, chronic diarrhoea, gut dysbiosis, and microbiome imbalance. Our FMT capsules are carefully produced onsite using strict veterinary screening and processing protocols designed to maximise safety, quality, and microbiome health. Capsules can also be conveniently dispensed through our Ormeau and Currumbin practices following veterinary consultation and recommendation.
What is Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)?
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an emerging veterinary treatment that helps restore healthy gut bacteria in dogs suffering from gastrointestinal disease or microbiome disruption. Watch our video on this page.
FMT works by transferring beneficial intestinal bacteria from a carefully screened healthy donor dog into the digestive tract of a recipient dog.
These healthy bacteria help support:
- healthy digestion
- stool quality
- immune system function
- gut lining health
- inflammation reduction
- microbiome diversity
FMT is increasingly being used in veterinary medicine to support dogs with:
- chronic diarrhoea
- acute diarrhoea
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- dysbiosis
- hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (AHDS)
- gastroenteritis
- antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
- pancreatitis
- chronic gastrointestinal inflammation
What is Canine Dysbiosis?
The gut contains millions of beneficial bacteria that play a critical role in your dog’s overall health. When the balance of healthy bacteria becomes disrupted, this is called dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis may occur due to:
- antibiotic use
- gastrointestinal disease
- stress
- chronic inflammation
- dietary changes
- illness
Dogs with dysbiosis may experience:
- chronic loose stools
- diarrhoea
- excessive gas
- vomiting
- poor digestion
- food sensitivities
- inflammatory bowel disease
- recurrent gastrointestinal upset
FMT aims to help restore a healthier gut microbiome by reintroducing beneficial bacteria into the intestinal tract.
Our Strict Donor Screening Program
- excellent overall health
- stable gastrointestinal function
- medical history
- diet quality
- lifestyle factors
Our donor dogs are carefully monitored and screened using evidence-based veterinary protocols.
Screening includes:
- faecal parasite testing & infectious disease screening (using an external Veterinary Laboratory in Brisbane)
- gastrointestinal disease assessment
- medical history review
- ongoing monitoring for digestive disease
Importantly, our donor dogs also undergo Canine Dysbiosis Index (DI) testing, a specialised laboratory test used to assess the health and diversity of the intestinal microbiome. This test is performed by sending stool for testing to the USA.
This helps confirm that donor dogs have a healthy and balanced gut microbiome suitable for FMT therapy.
Only carefully screened donor animals are accepted into our program, and these tests are carried out every 6 months to ensure our capsules are providing the best bacteria.
The donor material is processed and stored using strict handling and freezing protocols designed to maintain safety and quality.
Is It Safe?
Yes. FMT is generally very well tolerated in dogs.
Most pets experience no side effects at all. Occasionally, mild temporary digestive upset can occur, such as:soft stool
- mild gas
- nausea
- decreased appetite
Serious side effects are considered rare.
Potential Benefits of FMT for Dogs
FMT may help:
- improve stool consistency
- restore beneficial gut bacteria
- support recovery after antibiotics
- reduce gastrointestinal inflammation
- improve chronic digestive signs
- support microbiome diversity
- improve overall gut health
Some dogs respond quickly, while others may require repeat treatment or additional medical support depending on the severity and cause of their condition.
Storage Instructions for Frozen FMT Capsules
- Capsules are dispensed in an insulated freezer bag with an ice pack.
- Capsules should be transferred to your freezer immediately upon arriving home.
- Keep capsules frozen at all times until use.
- Do not use capsules if they thaw or become soft.
- Store capsules in their original packaging.
- Capsules can generally be stored frozen for up to 2 weeks unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
How to Give FMT Capsules to Your Dog
- Give capsules exactly as directed by your veterinary team.
- Capsules work best when administered frozen and whole.
- Do not open, crush, or split the capsules.
- Capsules are often easiest to give with food or immediately after a meal.
Helpful options include:
- peanut butter
- cream cheese
- pill pockets
- canned food
- favourite treats
Giving capsules while still frozen may help reduce odour and improve acceptance.
Please wash your hands after handling the capsules.
Could Your Dog Benefit From FMT Therapy?
If your dog suffers from chronic diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disease, recurrent digestive upset, dysbiosis, or ongoing gut health issues, our veterinary team may be able to help.
To learn more about Canine Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) or to find out whether your dog may be a suitable candidate for treatment, please contact The Vet Lounge to book a consultation with one of our veterinarians.
FAQ’s
How is the transplant actually "given" to my dog?
There are two primary methods, and we choose the one best suited for your dog’s specific condition:
Oral Capsules (Upper GI): Specially coated “enteric” capsules that bypass the stomach acid and release the beneficial bacteria in the small intestine. This is the method we use here at The Vet Lounge
Enema (Lower GI): The most common clinical method. It is quick, non-invasive, and delivers the microbiota directly to the colon where it can begin colonizing immediately.
Which method do you use?
We use capsule-based Faecal Microbiota Therapy (FMT) because it offers a gentle, non-invasive way to help restore the gut microbiome throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike colonoscopy delivery, capsules travel naturally through the digestive system, allowing beneficial microbes to interact with a larger portion of the gut while avoiding the need for sedation and anaesthetic. This makes treatment safer, less stressful, and more comfortable for our patients. Simple administer the capsules at home.
Will I smell poo?
No. As long as you administer the capsules direct from the freezer and don’t leave them sitting out to thaw.
How soon will I see results?
Some dogs respond quickly, while others may require repeat treatment or additional medical support depending on the severity and cause of their condition.
Can’t I just give my dog high quality probiotics instead?
High quality probiotics can be helpful, but they are very different from Faecal Microbiota Therapy (FMT). Probiotics usually contain only a small number of selected bacterial strains, while frozen FMT capsules contain a broad, diverse community of beneficial microorganisms collected from a carefully screened healthy donor.Think of probiotics as adding a few new plants to a garden, whereas FMT helps restore the entire ecosystem. FMT aims to rebuild microbiome diversity and balance in a way that probiotics alone often cannot achieve, particularly in pets with significant gut dysbiosis or chronic gastrointestinal disease.
Is my dog too old (or too young) for FMT?
FMT can be performed on dogs of almost any age. It is particularly helpful for senior dogs with fading immune systems or puppies who have struggled with parvovirus or severe parasites early in life.
Strong Outcomes. Happier Dogs. Confident Owners.
FMT is simple, natural way to support dogs who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments. Book an appointment today or call us 5502 3333 to find out more.