News, Advice and Resources for Thoughtful Pet People
photo of “Ninja” by joshDubya
A new study shows we have bacteria on & in us that comes from our dogs. Specifically, from their tongues and paws. That may not be all that surprising, but what is surprising is that parents tested actually share more bacteria with the family dog than with their human children. This isn’t necessarily harmful. In fact, some studies link childhood exposure to pets with fewer allergies & better immune systems in adulthood.
Related posts:
Man, Detroit can’t catch a break. Most of the headlines for this story read something like, “Dog Poop in Detroit Air!” It’s true, but it may not be unique. A study of winter air samples collected from Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, & Mayville, WI found fecal bacteria in Cleveland and Detroit. The most likely source being dog poop. Blech!! All the more reason to clean up after your dog!
The study conducted by scientists from University Colorado at Boulder highlights the fact we know very little about the diversity of bacteria in our air. The DNA of the bacteria found linked it to dog poop.