It’s no secret that spending time with dogs can bring joy, comfort, and even improve our mental well-being.
But what if there’s more to our relationship with our furry companions than meets the eye?
Researchers in the US are delving into a fascinating possibility: could the microorganisms that dogs share with us have a positive effect on our physical and mental health?
At the heart of this research is a groundbreaking question: could the shared microbes between dogs and their owners be acting as an invisible force for better health?
For decades, scientists have known that our gut health plays a crucial role in both physical and mental well-being.
But now, researchers are investigating whether the microorganisms in a dog’s gut could have the power to enhance that of its human counterpart.
The Microbial Connection Between Dogs and Humans
A significant body of research already suggests that our gut bacteria have a powerful influence on many aspects of our health.
From digestion to immune function, and even mental health, these trillions of microorganisms work tirelessly behind the scenes.
But what happens when those microbes come into contact with another living organism’s microbiome—like a dog’s?
Kim Kelly, an anthropologist at the University of Arizona, is leading a team of researchers trying to answer this exact question.
“We’ve co-evolved with dogs over the millennia, but nobody really understands what it is about this dog-human relationship that makes us feel good about being around dogs,” Kelly said in a recent press release.
“The question is: Has the relationship between dogs and humans gotten under the skin?
And we believe it has.”
This theory is based on intriguing findings from previous studies showing that dogs and their human owners develop strikingly similar gut bacteria after living together for an extended period.
For instance, one study discovered that dogs and their owners share certain types of bacteria—specifically, species that are known to promote health and well-being.
But the question remains: could this microbial exchange be a driving force behind the emotional and physical benefits we experience when we spend time with our dogs?
A New Frontier in Gut Health Research
Kelly and her team are now recruiting volunteers for a study that could shed light on this important question. The aim?
To explore whether the microorganisms exchanged between dogs and their owners can contribute to better mental and physical health, particularly in older adults.
The researchers are specifically looking for participants aged 50 and older who are in good health and have not taken antibiotics in the past six months.
Importantly, these volunteers must not have lived with a dog before, which allows the researchers to assess the baseline health of both the participants and their new canine companions.
By starting with a “clean slate,” any changes over the course of the three-month study period will be more noticeable.
During the three-month study, the researchers will track a variety of factors, including gut bacteria, diet, physical activity levels, and immune function, for both the participants and their dogs.
The researchers are particularly interested in how the presence of a dog—and the microbes it shares with its owner—may influence gut health and overall well-being.
Microbial Friendship: More Than Just a Cuddle
The hypothesis behind the study rests on a fascinating possibility: just as certain foods like yogurt are known to contain beneficial probiotics, could dogs act as a kind of “probiotic” for their owners?
As Kelly points out, there is an increasing body of research showing that when young children and infants are exposed to dogs, they tend to have a lower risk of developing immune-related disorders like asthma and allergies.
The key factor?
The shared microbiomes between dogs and humans.
This mutual exchange may be helping to strengthen the immune systems of both species by introducing beneficial bacteria into their bodies.
It’s a compelling concept—one that could completely change how we think about the relationship between pets and their owners.
If dogs are indeed playing a role in improving our gut health, the implications could be profound, especially as we age.
Aging and Gut Health: Why This Study Matters
The choice to focus on participants over 50 is particularly significant, given the growing body of research linking gut health with aging.
Studies show that as we age, our gut microbiome tends to deteriorate, which can contribute to a range of health issues, from digestive problems to cognitive decline.
In extreme cases, an imbalanced microbiome in older adults has even been linked to an increased risk of mortality.
For this reason, researchers are particularly interested in understanding how microbiome health impacts those over the age of 65.
If dogs can have a positive influence on the gut microbiomes of their owners, it could provide a natural way to mitigate the negative effects of aging on our health.
By monitoring changes in gut bacteria, physical activity, and mental health over the three-month period, Kelly’s team hopes to uncover whether the presence of a dog can have a measurable impact on the well-being of its owner.
Could it be that the simple act of bonding with a dog might help improve their microbiomes—and in turn, their overall health?
The Three-Month Experiment: Tracking Change
Over the course of the study, participants and their dogs will undergo several rounds of testing to monitor changes in their gut bacteria and physical well-being.
Researchers will also assess mental health and emotional well-being, looking for any potential improvements as the study progresses.
The researchers are particularly focused on understanding how the sharing of microbiota between humans and dogs can lead to an increase in beneficial gut bacteria.
These “good” bacteria play an essential role in strengthening the immune system, promoting digestion, and even regulating mood and stress levels.
If dogs are found to help their owners develop a more diverse and healthier gut microbiome, it could pave the way for new health interventions in aging populations.
In fact, the study’s aim is not just to explore how dogs might benefit human health but also how they might benefit from their owners’ company.
Will the bond go both ways, with dogs also experiencing improved gut health as they share their environment with humans?
The Big Question: Could Dogs Be the Probiotic We Didn’t Know We Needed?
Ultimately, the research raises an intriguing question: Could dogs act as a probiotic for their human owners, much like the beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods?
In essence, could living with a dog improve your gut health in a way that goes beyond simple companionship?
As Kelly notes, the idea is not so far-fetched. “We essentially want to find out, is a dog acting like yogurt in having a probiotic effect?” she says.
The comparison might seem playful, but the science behind it is serious, and the potential health benefits could be groundbreaking.
This study represents the first serious exploration into the microbial bond between humans and dogs—and it has the potential to change how we view our pets.
If the results support the hypothesis that sharing microbiomes with dogs improves our health, it could lead to new recommendations for dog ownership, especially among older adults looking to protect and strengthen their gut health.
Looking Ahead: What We Can Expect from the Study
While the study is still in its early stages, the results could have significant implications for how we view our relationship with dogs.
If the researchers confirm that sharing microbes with our dogs has tangible health benefits, it might lead to a broader understanding of how we can harness the power of the microbiome to improve overall health.
Could our dogs be the missing piece to better physical and mental well-being?
This research also has the potential to change how we think about aging.
If dogs can help enhance the health of older adults by promoting a healthier microbiome, it could open new doors for improving quality of life as we age.
The study’s findings might even lead to new recommendations on pet ownership for older adults, encouraging more people to welcome dogs into their lives as a means of improving health.
For now, we’ll have to wait for the results, but the idea that dogs could be doing more than just being loyal companions—that they might actually be helping improve our health in ways we never anticipated—is an exciting prospect.
As Kelly aptly concludes, “When you think about it, the idea that dogs are being our best friends in ways they aren’t even aware of is pretty special.”
It’s a relationship that, it turns out, could be even more beneficial than we imagined.
The Bottom Line: Why This Research Matters
The ongoing study by Kim Kelly and her team highlights a critical area of health that has yet to receive enough attention—the profound impact of the microorganisms we share with our pets.
As we learn more about the intricacies of our relationship with dogs, we may uncover new strategies for improving gut health, reducing the risk of diseases, and enhancing our emotional well-being, particularly in older adults.
So, the next time you find yourself curled up on the couch with your dog, take a moment to appreciate the potential hidden benefits your pet might be providing, not just in terms of companionship but in supporting your health in ways we are only beginning to understand.
Could your dog be the secret to a healthier, happier life? We can’t wait to find out.
