Owning a Pet is Associated with Improved Gut Health

August 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Research suggests that having pets, especially in childhood, may provide a microbial advantage, which complements the various health benefits of animals.

Dogs alone carry over 600 different bacteria in their mouths, potentially posing human health risks with their licks and slobber.

Pets, just like humans, have their microbiome, consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in their mouths, skin, and stools. While only 16.4 percent of dogs’ oral bacteria are shared with humans, it’s clear that we exchange microbial organisms with our pets just like with our family members.

In Favor of Pets

Almost 45 percent of US households have dogs, and 25 percent have cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Previous studies have shown that pets can reduce stress, prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, depression, asthma, allergies, and obesity. The microbial connection strengthens the argument that animals contribute positively to human health.

A 2024 review in Research in Veterinary Science observed that the relationship with pets generally leads to homeostasis in both human and animal microbial patterns. This microbial balance in the gut helps prevent an overgrowth of disease-causing bugs.

The authors of the study concluded that keeping pets has changed the microbiota of various areas of the human body, resulting in decreased pathogenic bacteria and increased beneficial bacteria.

Possible Explanation

The microbial benefits from furry companions were identified in a May study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The research found that dog ownership increased the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria.

Moreover, diverse and abundant microbial communities in the human gut are linked to health benefits, including protection against illnesses and diseases caused by pathogens.

William Turpin, a co-author of the study, emphasized that while owning dogs was associated with certain health benefits, more research is required to confirm this relationship.

Dog exposure was found to be protective across all age groups, with the most substantial impact seen in the 5-15 age group.

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