Researchers find children who own dogs score lower for social problems, aggressive behaviour and delinquency
Having a dog in the home could help boost teenagers’ mental health, research suggests, with scientists adding this could in part be down to the sharing of microbes.
Prof Takefumi Kikusui, of Azabu University in Japan, who led the work, said being with dogs could reduce owners’ stress and stimulate the release of the bonding hormone oxytocin.
But the research suggests there could be other reasons pooches may have a positive influence.
“Several studies have reported the mental health benefits of dog ownership, and we have demonstrated that the microbiome may be one mechanism involved,” Kikusui said.
