GLOBAL EXPERTS CONVENE AT PURINA® PRO PLAN® SYMPOSIUM 2026 TO UNVEIL BREAKTHROUGHS IN CANINE WELLBEING THROUGH THE GUT–BRAIN AXIS

GIRONA, Spain – March 13, 2026 – Purina® PRO PLAN® successfully hosted the Calming Care Symposium 2026: The Gut–Brain Axis in Practice, a landmark hybrid event that brought together over 110 European Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in person and more than 1,100 online registrants worldwide. The symposium focused on the latest scientific insights into the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain and the revolutionary role of targeted nutrition in managing canine stress-related behaviours.

“Stress-related behaviors play a crucial role in canine well-being,” stated Dr. Jenifer Molina, NPPE VHCP Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina, during the opening session. “Our goal is to explore the latest insights into stress-related behaviors, behavioral diagnostics, and the multifaceted factors influencing canine well-being”.

Understanding the Biology of Stress Dr. Sarah Heath, an RCVS and EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, emphasized that while stress is often pathologized, it has a functional root. “Stress] is a normal biological processes... designed to ensure the survival of the individual,” Dr. Heath explained. However, she warned that “the challenges of living in a human dictated environment can be a risk factor for development of stress responses that become detrimental”.

Advancing Clinical Diagnostics Recognizing these responses in a clinical setting remains a challenge for many practitioners. Dr. Xavier Manteca Vilanova, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, noted that caregivers often miss silent indicators of distress. “High arousal does not equal to intense physical activity... a dog doing nothing apparently [could be] misinterpreting the fact that that dog is feeling well,” Dr. Manteca cautioned.

The Nutritional Frontier: The Gut–Brain Axis. The symposium highlighted targeted nutrition as a powerful tool for behavioral modulation. Dr. Ragen McGowan, Director of Digital Product Development at Purina, explained the science of the "second brain". “The gut and the brain are in constant bidirectional communication back and forth,” Dr. McGowan noted, adding that gut microbes have a direct line of communication to the brain stem via the vagus nerve.     

The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum (BL999) was showcased as a primary solution for enhancing resilience to stress. Dr. Lisa Conboy-Schmidt, Global Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Expert at Purina R&D, highlighted its regulatory milestone. “BL999... is the first technical feed additive we're proud to say that's been approved for the benefit of to improve stress resilience in dogs,” Dr. Conboy-Schmidt announced.

Real-Life Success and Multimodal Care Case studies, such as the recovery of "Austin," a Golden Retriever suffering from persistent stress and intestinal dysbiosis, demonstrated the efficacy of this integrated approach. Dr. Clara Palestrini, Professor at the University of Milan, concluded: “The animal must always be considered as an integrated organism, in which body and mind constitute a single functional entity”.

Dr. Marta Amat Grau, Head of the Clinical Ethology Service at UAB, added that while nutrition is vital, it should be part of a larger plan. “Multimodal treatment is needed... the behavior modification is the cornerstone of the treatment,” Dr. Amat emphasized.

The Human-Animal Bond and Beyond The event also explored the psychological parallels between species. Dr. Laura Rojas-Marcos, Clinical Psychologist, highlighted the importance of connection. “Trust is the pillar of feeling better of self-regulating and especially dealing with stress with fear with loneliness,” she remarked.

Dr. Jean-François Savard, Principal Animal Behavior Scientist at Purina, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to welfare. “We believe that when pets and people bond life becomes richer and that we are better with pets,” Dr. Savard stated, pointing to initiatives like therapy dog programs in hospitals and pet-friendly workplaces.

The symposium concluded with a poignant session titled "Thank You Vets," led by Miguel Moura Esteves, a veterinary surgeon and certified coach specializing in emotional management. Moura addressed the "silent" struggle of mental health in the profession, citing data that one in four veterinarians show symptoms of burnout and ninety percent report feeling stressed.

Visit the Symposium page to learn more—watch the recordings, read the proceedings, and review the speakers’ presentations: Purina PRO PLAN Calming Care Symposium | Vet Center

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About Purina PRO PLAN Calming Care

Purina PRO PLAN Calming Care is a veterinary-exclusive supplement containing the proprietary probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum BL999. Backed by extensive clinical research, it is specifically formulated to help dogs and cats maintain calm behavior and manage external stressors such as separation, unfamiliar visitors, or changes in routine. By influencing the gut-brain axis, Calming Care provides a non-pharmacological approach to supporting emotional balance and long-term behavioral health. Learn more: Calming Care | Vet Center

About Purina® PRO PLAN® Purina® PRO PLAN® is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and cats through the power of ground-breaking nutrition. Supported by a global team of over 500 scientists and veterinarians, the brand sets high standards in pet care to anticipate the evolving needs of pets worldwide. For more information, please visit the Your self-learning platform for pet nutrition education | Vet Center