One of the most exciting and fast-growing areas of medical research is that of the science of our gut microbiome. These are the billions of bacteria living in our gut that have an influence on our physical and our mental wellbeing. Scientific research suggests that a ‘gut-brain axis’ exists whereby the more healthy bacteria living in our guts can help with our brain function, behaviour and mental wellbeing. 

Of course, as dog owners, we also know the sense of mental wellbeing, companionship and love we get from our dogs. It has now been demonstrated that dog owners share some of their dog’s gut bacteria too. 

Research shows that children who grow up with a dog in the home have fewer illnesses and less prone to allergies.  When playing with a dog you are going to have exposure to the bacteria from the dog through licking and touching. 

Writing in New Scientist (13th December 2025), Clarissa Wong describes a scientific study in Japan which showed that being a dog owner can improve your life satisfaction in more ways than one.  A series of experiments suggests that dog owners have a unique make-up of bacterial species that encourage empathetic and social behaviours.  The study found that people and children with dogs behaved less aggressively and more socially than those without dogs. 

Saliva samples also revealed that some species of Streptococcus bacteria were more abundant in dog owners, which has been linked to reduced depressive symptoms. 

There’s a secondary mechanism at play for those who live and walk inn the New Forest with their dogs. The Japanese government has an official wellness programme called Shinrin-yoku, which translates to ‘forest bathing’.  By inhaling phytoncides (tree chemicals) whilst walking in a forest lowers cortisol, blood pressure and improves immunity. 

So, we are privileged here in the New Forest to have an abundance of these happy tree chemicals right on our doorstep.  Go out there with your dog, breathe deeply and enjoy yourself – responsibly, of course!

Sarah Morris. NFDOG Committee.