Links Between Early-Life Stressors, Antibiotic Exposure, Gut Barrier Function, and Later-Life Gastrointestinal and Skin Diseases
Links Between Early-Life Stressors, Antibiotic Exposure, Gut Barrier Function, and Later-Life Gastrointestinal and Skin Diseases
Speaker:
Stefan Unterer, Dr. med. vet., Dr. habil., Dipl. ECVIM-CA
Date: 13 November 2025
Location: Virtual
Chronic gastrointestinal disorders affect 10–15% of dogs, and the prevalence is rising. Research shows early-life events—such as infections, antibiotic use, and microbiome disruption—can significantly increase the risk of chronic gastrointestinal disease and immune dysfunction later in life.
In this presentation, Dr. Stefan Unterer explores:
- Microbiome development and resilience during the first year of life.
- How barrier integrity and immune maturation shape long-term health.
- The impact of early-life disruptions like enteritis, giardiasis, and parvovirus.
- Practical strategies to prevent dysbiosis and restore homeostasis.
Understanding these mechanisms is essential for proactive care and better patient outcomes.
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