By understanding the role of the microbiome and implementing strategies to maintain a healthy gut environment, veterinarians can help their patients live long, healthy lives. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, we review the concept of microbiome development across life stages for pets. Specifically, we’ll explore the critical windows for microbiome development, how the microbiome impacts disease (including canine parvovirus enteritis, feline chronic kidney disease, canine atopic dermatitis, etc.), and how to support microbiome health (including nutrition, fiber supplement, and fecal microbiota transplant). By thinking about microbiome health for our patients, we can help to promote healthspan—the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities of aging—for our patients.