A dog lick may be effective to minimize spring allergies, as dog saliva may contain beneficial bacteria and have probiotic effects like yogurt.
The University of Arizona is going to study whether bacteria found in dog saliva can lessen allergic reactions. The researchers believe, chances of a positive outcome are high.
Severe sneezing, itching, hives and other immune responses could just be the things of past thanks to the canine tongue.
Meanwhile, several universities, including University of California, San Diego, and others, are running a study to find whether dog owners have better human microbiome.
"We essentially want to find out, is a dog acting like yogurt in having a probiotic effect?" said Kim Kelly, a principal researcher at the University of Arizona in the Department of Psychiatry.
It seems like a dog lick could also exceed an apple's effect in keeping the doctor away.
The psychological advantages of having a pet, especially dogs, have already been proved. The human-animal bonding can improve moods, make us happier and decrease stress.
Notably, some researchers have found that cancer patients spending time with therapy dogs have palpable improvement in emotional well-being and quality of life, according to CBS News.
Intestinal cancer patient Alicia Bertine, undergoing chemo therapy for last six months, said her dog, Piper, has reduced the pain she is suffering from in a great manner.
"She distracts me, especially when I'm feeling bad," Bertine said.
Apart from good benefits, dogs have always been considered as a protector and well-wisher of the owner. But, now, researchers may prove that dogs have health benefits as well.
The study will include people aged between 50 and 60, and the population will have a dog companion assigned to each one of them. The researchers will then measure each one's immune response for three months, according to People.
"If the dogs and human owners look similar microbiota-wise ... then it means dogs are basically having probiotic-enhancing microbiota of human owners," said the UA study's lead researcher, professor of psychiatry Dr. Charles Raison.
The humane-dog bonding saga could yield some startling results in coming months.