But the health benefits of sharing your life with a furry friend may not end there.
Scientists believe the microbes lurking in a dog's gut could have a probiotic effect on the owners' body.
And
to determine if their suspicions are true, the researchers at the
University of Arizona, are recruiting volunteers to take part in a study
to test the theory.
The research will focus specifically on the effect dogs have on the health of older people.
Scientists
at the University of Arizona believe the microbes living in a dog's gut
may be good for their owners' health. They are recruiting volunteers to
take part in their study to test the theory
Kim
Kelly, an anthropology doctoral student, and one of the lead
researchers, said: '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.
'Is it just that they're fuzzy and we like to pet them, or is there something else going on under the skin?
'The question really is, has the relationship between dogs and humans gotten under the skin?
'And we believe it has.'
The human digestive system is home to more than 500 different types of bacteria, both 'good' and 'bad'.
Probiotics
often referred to as 'good' or 'helpful' bacteria because they help
keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food, are also
believed to help the immune system.
Foods such as yoghurt, as well as supplements, can help enhance probiotics in the body.
Dr
Kelly, along with colleagues across the university and at the
University of San Diego, will explore whether living with a dog
encourages the growth of positive micro organisms in the human gut -
enough to improve physical and mental health in older adults.
'We essentially want to find out, is a dog acting like yoghurt in having a probiotic effect,' she said.
Existing research shows that dogs and their owners share much of the same gut bacteria over time.
In
addition, some studies have shown that dogs enhance the immune system
of children, reducing the risk of illnesses including asthma and
allergies.
+2
They believe canine germs could have
similar effects to probiotic yoghurts, which give people a dose of
'good' bacteria, boosting gut health
Dr
Charles Raison, principal investigator, said: 'We think dogs might work
as probiotics to enhance the health of the bacteria that live in our
guts.
'These
bacteria, or microbiota, are increasingly recognised as playing an
essential role in our mental and physical health, especially as we age.
'We know that not all bacteria are good.
'We
can get very sick from the 'bad' bacteria, and modern medicine has done
a wonderful job of protecting us from various diseases that are created
by these bacteria.
'But unfortunately, by eliminating the bad bacteria we've started eliminating the 'good' bacteria, too.'
Participants
in the study, which will be conducted with the Humane Society of
Southern Arizona, will be paired with a canine companion from the humane
society and live with the dog in their home for three months.
At
the start of the research, scientists will evaluate the human
participants' gut bacteria, diet, physical activity and immune
function.
At the same time the dogs' gut bacteria and physical activity levels will also be measured.
Follow
up evaluations will be carried out after one, two and three months to
look for any positive changes to gut micro flora in both the dogs and
human volunteers.
Researchers will also look for any changes in the mental health and emotional well-being of the dogs and humans.
Study
volunteers must be aged 50 or over, in good general health, not have
taken antibiotics in the last six months, and not have lived with a dog
for at least six months.
Participants
will be able to identify what type of dog they would like and will be
able to adopt the dog at the end of the study, but that isn't a
requirement for participation.
Food and veterinary care for the dog will be provided during the study period.
Read more: http://xclusivetalk.blogspot.com/2015/03/could-kiss-from-your-dog-be-good-for.html
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