Did you know that we naturally release around 38 million bacteria into our surroundings every hour? While this might sound surprising, it’s important to remember that not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, many contribute positively to our health. For example, our pets, especially dogs, enhance the diversity of our indoor microbiome, which can lead to a healthier living environment. Although some bacteria may fade in warm, dry conditions, others persist on surfaces like computer screens and pillowcases. Creating a balanced and diverse microbial community supports our well-being, but how exactly do pets play into this?

STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: HYGIENE HYPOTHESIS

Perhaps you've heard that sterile environments can actually do more harm than good in certain situations. The idea is that exposure to germs at a young age helps our immune system learn and develop effective responses to fight off infections. When we introduce pets to children earlier on, their increased exposure to various bacteria and microbes actually helps their immune response and ends up diversifying their microbiome—something that will constantly change as we age whilst being dependent on our diet and surroundings.

BACTERIAL DIVERSITY: CATS VS. DOGS

Research has proven that simply owning a dog boosted the levels of 56 bacterial species in indoor environments. We love cats as much as the next person, but cats boosted only 24 categories of bacteria.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS: MORE THAN A DOSE OF OXYTOCIN

The benefits of having a pet in your life are numerous. Not only do they provide companionship and love, but they can also help reduce depression and anxiety. While it's no surprise that canoodling our pets releases oxytocin—the brain chemical associated as being the love hormone—further studies have supported that more than oxytocin release, our pet's bacteria in our guts can also contribute to the anti-depressive benefits of pet ownership.