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health1d ago
Having a dog can boost teenagers’ mental health, say scientists
- A Tokyo study links teen dog ownership to lower social problems and delinquency by age 14.
- Researchers identified 12 bacteria types, including Streptococcus and Prevotella, less abundant in non-dog owners.
- Scientists say the microbiome may be one mechanism linking dogs to better teen mental health.
- Lead researcher Takefumi Kikusui notes dogs may reduce owner stress and boost oxytocin.
- The study used data from the Tokyo Teenager Cohort Study including 343 youths.
- Researchers caution that it remains unclear whether microbes come from dogs or stress reduction.
- Experts unaffiliated with the study weighed in on microbiome differences in saliva.
- The study authors suggest maintaining a diverse microbiome could improve mental health scores too.
- The Guardian notes the overall finding adds to debates on pets and adolescent well-being.
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