A growing body of evidence suggests that owning pets, especially in childhood, provides a microbial advantage that can benefit human health. Pets, like humans, have their own microbiome consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can be found in their mouths, on their skin, and in their stool. Dogs alone harbor over 600 different bacteria in their mouths, potentially impacting human health through interactions like licking and slobbering.
Studies have shown that owning pets can reduce stress, prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, depression, asthma, allergies, and obesity. The microbial connection further supports the idea that animals can have positive effects on human health by influencing the balance of microorganisms in the body.
Research has indicated that owning dogs can increase the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria in humans, which is associated with various health benefits. While more studies are needed to confirm these findings, the association between dog ownership and reduced inflammation and improved gut health is promising.
Additionally, exposure to pets, particularly dogs, has been linked to a decreased risk of developing conditions like Crohn’s disease. The association between owning dogs and reduced risk factors for gastrointestinal diseases could have implications for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
Furthermore, research has shown that young children exposed to farm animals or house pets tend to have richer and more diverse gut microbiomes. While there is a focus on the potential transmission of disease-causing microbes from animals to humans, there is growing interest in exploring the beneficial microorganisms that pets can share with their owners.
Overall, owning pets may have a positive impact on human health by influencing the microbiome and contributing to a healthier microbial balance in the body.
“Pets could be restoring protective microbes to their owners’ microbiomes that help them keep C. diff infection from causing symptoms,” said Redding.
“The more contact you had with your pets, such as letting them sleep on your bed and licking your hands and face, the better protected you were compared to someone who didn’t have that level of contact. This was a really interesting and unexpected discovery,” she added.
Redding is further investigating the mechanism at play. The results raise the possibility that pets may introduce beneficial microbes to their owners’ microbiomes, helping to prevent C. diff symptoms. It is worth noting that C. diff can be present in healthy individuals.
Love Pets With Caution
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Dispose of dog feces using gloves or plastic bags.
- Avoid areas that may be contaminated with dog feces.
“There’s a fine line between the risks and benefits. We are still unsure of where that line lies. While pets can have psychological benefits, there is also hope for microbiological benefits. So, hug your pets, but remember to wash your hands afterward,” she concluded.
