Pet ownership and physical health

Matchock, Robert L.

doi:10.1097/yco.0000000000000183

Cited by 67 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…We chose saliva because one fundamental aspect of the human-canine bond is the gesture of licking that spreads oral cavity microbes on the recipient's skin surface. Recognizing that L. reuteri ATCC 6475 bacteria collected from human milk was found to up-regulate oxytocin when fed to mouse models [30], and that oxytocin is pivotal in caninehuman bonds and weight control [2, [36][37][38], we postulated that dogs may harbor and spread similar microbes that modulate oxytocin and impart a slim physique in the recipient. To test this possibility, we first interrogated the canine oral microbiome using molecular assays and microbial culture (Figure 1).…”

Section: Canine Oral Bacterial Flora Includes Lactobacillus Sppmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beneficial Dog Bacteria Up-Regulate Oxytocin and Lower Risk of Obesity

Varian¹,

Levkovich²,

Poutahidis³

et al. 2017

J Prob Health

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AnimalsC57BL/6 wild type (wt), oxytocin-wt (oxt-wt) and oxytocin- AbstractCohabitation with pet dogs imparts diverse health benefits to humans including a slim physique. It is known that neuropeptide hormone oxytocin fundamental in human-canine social bonds regulates appetite and body weight. It was recently shown in mice that consuming Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 6475 from human breast milk lowers body weight and up-regulates oxytocin levels in blood. Here we test the hypothesis that bacteria from dog saliva may similarly modulate recipient host body weight. We find that a Lactobacillus spp isolate from dog saliva led to lower body weight when fed to C57BL/6 wild type mice. Mice consuming the canineborne L. reuteri also had elevated oxytocin levels in blood plasma, and exhibited body weight in an oxytocin-dependent manner. Interestingly, killed (lysed) canine bacteria were sufficient to achieve the physiological effects. Taken together, these studies provide evidence that dog bacteria modulate oxytocin levels and body weight in recipient mice, and thus may help reduce risk of obesity in individuals cohabitating with pet dogs. knockout (oxt-ko) B6; 129S-Oxttm1Wsy/J mice (purchased initially from Jackson labs; Bar Harbor, ME) were used in three separate experiments (Figure 1). Mice were housed and handled in Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)-accredited facilities using techniques and diets including Lactobacillus reuteri as specifically approved by Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Committee on Animal Care (CAC). Mice were housed under standard 12:12 light cycle conditions with lights on at 7 AM. Mice were fed a standard control chow Purina RMH3000. Beneficial Dog Bacteria Up-Regulate Oxytocin and Lower Risk of ObesityMice were bred in-house to achieve experimental groups. Each experiment included 5-15 animals per group with one or two replications (total N=10-30 mice examined per group) unless otherwise specified. For the initial studies, C57BL/6 wt mice received Lactobacillus reuteri 2546 isolated from dog saliva. To test putative roles for microbeinduced oxytocin in obesity, oxt-ko mice and their oxt-wt littermates entered experiments at eight weeks of age. At the conclusion of the study mice were euthanized with CO 2 overdose, and were examined as described below. Eight pet dogs served as saliva microbe donors as approved by the MIT-CAC. Saliva was collected from these dogs in the morning before feeding using sterile swabs [Puritan Sterile Polyester Tipped applicators Guilford, Me Ref: 25-806 1PD] in 1.5 ml centrifuge tubes (Safeseal Microcentrifuge Tubes, Sorenson Bioscience Inc. Salt Lace City, UT Cat# 16070). Bacteria were purified from dog saliva as described in detail below. PCR of dog saliva for all Lactobacillus speciesSaliva was collected from eight pet dogs and prepared using High Pure PCR Template kit (Roche Diagnostics) was used without changes to the manufacturer's directions to isolate DNA from the canine saliva. DNA was measured using Nan...

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Section: Canine Oral Bacterial Flora Includes Lactobacillus Sppmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beneficial Dog Bacteria Up-Regulate Oxytocin and Lower Risk of Obesity

Varian¹,

Levkovich²,

Poutahidis³

et al. 2017

J Prob Health

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“…Many positive effects of keeping domestic pets and regular contact with animals have been reported; recent studies have increasingly, though not yet sufficiently, confirmed these reports 16. Effects do vary according to animal species or according to the kind of contact with the animal owner and its frequency, or—in the context of animal-assisted therapy (AAT)—with the patient.…”

Section: Benefits Of and Concerns About Live Animals In Domestic Settmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Effects do vary according to animal species or according to the kind of contact with the animal owner and its frequency, or—in the context of animal-assisted therapy (AAT)—with the patient. But prima facie, the human–animal relationship benefits especially the elderly, for example those with cognitive disabilities 16 17. It is reported that animals offer their elderly owners changes in daily routines; they are communication partners and in some cases better able to establish a relationship with an individual than other people.…”

Section: Benefits Of and Concerns About Live Animals In Domestic Settmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Living with the animals: animal or robotic companions for the elderly in smart homes?

Preuß

2016

J Med Ethics

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Although the use of pet robots in senior living facilities and day-care centres, particularly for individuals suffering from dementia, has been intensively researched, the question of introducing pet robots into domestic settings has been relatively neglected. Ambient assisted living (AAL) offers many interface opportunities for integrating motorised companions. There are diverse medical reasons, as well as arguments from animal ethics, that support the use of pet robots in contrast to living with live animals. However, as this paper makes clear, we should not lose sight of the option of living with animals at home for as long as possible and in conformity with the welfare of the animal assisted by AAL technology.

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“…Much of this growth has been stimulated by the increasing appreciation of the value of pets to human health and well-being through both physical and emotional effects. Studies indicate associations between pet ownership and(or) animal-assisted therapy and numerous aspects of positive health outcomes, ranging from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced mental well-being [3, 4]. Humans, reciprocally, are engaged in gaining a deeper understanding of nutrient requirements and the effects of diet and care practices on the health, metabolism, and behavior of cats and dogs of all ages, breeds, and lifestyles.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%