Dogs and Human Gut Flora-How Household Dogs Protect Against Asthma and Infection

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm familiar with the need for "healthy" gut flora and also that children growing up with dogs have fewer respiratory illnesses.  I found this article interesting because it brings the two together and may be the beginning of understanding how the two are connected.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131216155042.htm

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you for posting this, Ricki. 

Many of the dogs who have IBD (with bacterial imbalances in the gut) also have inhalant allergies, and there seems to be a connection, but it's been difficult to find any scientific data on that. I'm so glad they are doing research on how the two are connected.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I didn't realize that dogs too had the gut/allergy connection. Yes, it would be wonderful if both species could benefit from this research.  What I found particularly encouraging was the possibility of using it for treatment as well as for prevention. Also found it curious that they isolated one particular bacteria that seems to be THE one.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Look what I found! 

http://dermvetolympia.com/pdfs/Probiotics_in_Veterinary_Dermatology...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

That is really encouraging considering the size of the study and that only one strain of bacteria was used.  At least someone out there is working on the problem and the solution! I would  like to see studies as well  using different probiotic strains in animals and people who are already reacting in an effort to modulate the response.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Interesting.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No wonder I don't seem to get colds anymore between dogs and dust : ) You may have missed the article I posted on "germs" a while back.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/the-science-group/forum/topics/fa...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks F, I'll check it out.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks to you scientific guys, I can be like the tin man in The Wizard Of Oz --- kind of like I have a brain.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Ahem, that was the scarecrow. lol  The Tinman needed a heart and you already have a really big one of those. :>)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

BRAIN FADE!!!!  I do have a heart but I really need that brain!  I guess I need to get my Wizard of Oz Books back out and start reading.  I have about 10 of Frank Baum's Oz books, but haven't read them in the last decade.  I really am getting old!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Would you believe 30 Oz books?