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Kim KellyResearcher of the influence of dogs and people on each other |
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The Impact of Dogs on Human Health
Dogs as Probiotics: The Gut-Brain ConnectionDogs have long been known to have a beneficial impact on their owners' health. Now, scientists believe that the microbes lurking within a dog's gut may possess probiotic properties. Researchers at the University of Arizona are currently recruiting volunteers for a study aimed at testing this hypothesis.
The research will focus on the impact dogs have on older adults. "We've evolved with dogs for thousands of years, but we don't really understand what it is about dogs that makes us feel better," says Kim Kelly, a PhD student in anthropology and lead researcher. "Is it because they're so cuddly and make us want to pet them, or is there something more profound going on? We're asking whether there's a deep connection between dogs and humans, and we think there is."
The Microbiome and Health
The human digestive system is home to over 500 different species of bacteria, both "good" and "bad." Probiotics, which are often referred to as "good" or "helpful" bacteria, are known to support gut health and aid in digestion, and they may also boost the immune system.
Foods like yogurt and supplements can help increase probiotic levels in the body. Dr. Kelly and researchers from the University of San Diego aim to determine whether living with a dog can increase the presence of beneficial microorganisms in the human gut, leading to improved physical and mental health in older adults.
Dogs and the Immune System
"We're very interested in seeing if dogs act like yogurt—if they have a probiotic effect," Kelly says. Previous studies have shown that dogs and their owners tend to share many of the same bacteria over time. Additionally, some research suggests that dogs may boost a child's immune system, reducing the risk of developing conditions such as asthma and allergies.
"We think that dogs might act like probiotics—increasing the number of good bacteria living in our intestines," says Dr. Charles Raison, lead investigator of the new study. "This bacteria, or microbiota, is increasingly recognized to play an important role in our mental and physical health, especially as we age."
The Study
Participants in the study, which will be conducted at Pima County Animal Care Center in Southern Arizona, will pair up with a canine companion from the shelter and live with it for three months.
At the start, participants' gut bacteria, nutritional status, physical activity levels, and immune function will be assessed. The dogs' gut bacteria and activity levels will also be analyzed.
Follow-up assessments will occur at one, two, and three months to look for any positive changes in gut microbiota in both the dogs and the human volunteers. The participants' mental health and the dogs' emotional state will also be monitored.
Volunteers must be over the age of 50, in generally good health, and cannot have taken antibiotics in the past six months or lived with a dog in the past half-year. Participants can choose the breed of dog they want, and they have the option of adopting the pet at the end of the study if they wish. The dogs will be provided with food and veterinary care for the duration of the study.
