Microbiome analysis found similar overall diversity in oral bacteria between teen dog owners and non-owners, but revealed distinct bacterial communities linked to dog ownership.

A new study suggests that the mental health benefits observed in adolescents who own dogs may be partially mediated by changes in the microbiome that influence the gut-brain axis, potentially fostering empathy and prosocial behavior.

Experiments with dog-owner microbiota-transplanted mice showed increased sociability, demonstrated by more sniffing of an unfamiliar mouse, hinting at transferable microbial effects.

Researchers caution that further work is needed to isolate interacting variables and establish causality beyond the observed associations.

While the findings are promising, replication in other populations is necessary, and future research could explore probiotics that replicate the observed microbial profiles.

Independent experts acknowledge the difference in salivary microbiomes between teen dog owners and non-owners but stress that causality and precise mechanisms remain to be clarified.

The study notes it cannot determine whether microbial differences stem from the dogs themselves or from reduced stress due to dog ownership, and that human behavior cannot be directly equated with mouse behavior.

Future studies might examine geographical differences in microbiomes and whether targeted probiotics could benefit people without dogs.