When your excited dog greets you with a bunch of kisses after you get home from work they deserve a big thank you. After all, their kisses are good for your health!
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona studying the mutual benefits of human-animal relationships believe that the microbes contained in a dog's gut could have a probiotic effect on the human body (meaning they could be enhancing the body's "good" bacteria).
"We think dogs might work as probiotics to enhance the health of the bacteria that live in our guts. These bacteria or the 'microbiota,' are increasingly recognized as playing an essential role in our mental and physical health, especially as we age," Dr. Charles Raison, principal investigator for the study and a UA professor of psychiatry in the College of Medicine, said in the study description.
The researchers are pairing human participants with dogs from the humane society. They will live with their new animal friend in their home for three months.
Before the study starts, the researchers will measure the gut bacteria, diet, physical activity levels and immune function of the human participants. The gut bacteria and physical activity of the dogs will also be considered.
The tests will be repeated once a month throughout the study.
For more information about the study, check out this informational video issued by the researchers:
