Research suggests that having a dog can improve teenagers’ mental health, potentially by reducing stress, increasing oxytocin, and influencing the microbiome.
A study led by Prof. Takefumi Kikusui (Azabu University) analysed 343 healthy adolescents in the Tokyo Teenager Cohort Study, 96 of whom owned dogs. Teenagers with dogs at age 13 showed lower social problems, aggression, delinquency, and social withdrawal by age 14 compared to non-owners.
Saliva analysis revealed differences in 12 types of bacteria, including Streptococcus and Prevotella. When these microbes were transplanted into germ-free mice, the mice with microbes from dog-owning teens displayed more social and empathetic behaviours, suggesting a link between microbiota and social behaviour.
The study did not examine the dogs’ microbes, so it is unclear whether changes stem from the pets themselves or stress reduction. Experts note that while the findings are promising, the exact behavioural mechanisms are not fully understood, and owning a dog may not be beneficial for everyone. Maintaining a diverse microbiome, even without a dog, could still support mental health.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/03/pet-dog-improve-teenager-mental-health-study
