Dogs Boost Teen Mental Health: Study Finds

Adolescent mental health may be significantly improved by the presence of a dog, according to a study conducted in Japan. Researchers observed 343 teenagers and found that those who owned dogs exhibited higher overall well-being and fewer social problems compared to their non-dog-owning peers.

The study, which focused on adolescents in Tokyo, noted that dog ownership was associated with lower scores in areas such as social withdrawal, thought problems, and delinquent behavior. Furthermore, individuals who had dogs during their formative years reported higher levels of companionship and social support as they aged.

Scientists are investigating a potential biological link, including differences in the gut microbiome among dog owners. Experiments with mice exposed to dog owner microbiomes suggested a possible influence on social behaviors, indicating that microbiota may play a role in the observed improvements in human adolescents.

This research adds to previous findings suggesting that pets can positively impact mental health. An earlier study also indicated that dog and cat ownership could slow cognitive decline in adults over 50, highlighting the broad benefits of animal companionship across different age groups.