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Homes with dogs have more bacteria and greater diversity of bacteria than those without dogs, according to a North Carolina State University study, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people living with canine friends face any additional health risks. Most of the bacteria identified were not pathogenic, and they may even have some benefits for humans. “We know we have all these bacteria in our home,” said researcher Holly Menninger. “Let’s learn to live with them.” NBC News/Vitals blog (5/22)

A dog may not only fill a home with joy, it fills a home with a whole lot of bacteria, new research suggests.  But that doesn’t mean you have to kick your pooch out of the bed.

Research from North Carolina State University published Wednesday in the journal PLoS ONE found homes with dogs have both a greater number of bacteria and more types of bacteria than homes without dogs.

The findings were part of a larger study that analyzed the types of microbes living in 40 homes in the Raleigh-Durham area of N.C.  Participants swabbed nine areas of their homes and informed researchers about aspects that could influence bacterial life, such as whether there were dogs or cats and how many people lived in the home.

“The project was a first step toward making an atlas of microbes found in the entire home and how they may affect our health and well-being” said Holly Menninger, a co-author and director of public science at NC State’s Your Wild Life program.

Of the places where household bacteria were found, pillowcases and television screens had the most detectable dog-related microbes.

“Some of the microbes we know come from dogs themselves,” said Menninger. “Some of these bacteria come from the outdoor environment, such as dogs bringing bacteria from the soil and into homes.”

The researchers were able to identify a few classes of bacteria linked to dogs, and certain microbial classes that may cause disease in humans, such as gingivitis and pneumonia.  However, genetic testing of the bacteria was not specific enough to determine whether any harmful strains were there.

All those germs tracked in on dirty paws don’t mean dog-free homes are necessarily healthier, though. While the researchers did not identify the specific species of bacteria living in each household, they were able to say that most of the organisms they found are not disease-causing – and may actually provide some benefits.

“We co-exist with bacteria and healthy, small exposures to bacteria do not pose any risk and might, on the other hand, be beneficial, as long as we keep a good hygienic environment,” said Dr. Rani Gereige, director of medical education at Miami Children’s Hospital.  Gereige was not involved in the research.

A recent study found that exposure to a microorganisms from a pet during a child’s first year of life of life may help ramp up the immune system, lowering the risk of developing allergies later.

“Research has actually shown that mothers who live with dogs while pregnant are less likely to have children with conditions like atopic dermatitis or to develop allergies,” said veterinarian Dr. Andy Roark of Greenville, S.C.

Certain bacteria from dogs – such as salmonella and listeria — can cause infections in humans, however, so it is important to be vigilant, he cautions.

“It is always a good idea for both adults and children to wash hands after playing with pets, especially before eating,” said Roark.

The study did not control for certain factors that could affect bacterial growth, such as household climate and cleanliness, and there were not enough homes with cats to accurately analyze the feline contribution to residential bacteria.  The researchers did not analyze whether certain dog breeds harbor more bacteria than others.

The microbes found throughout the different homes fell into three general groups: those that come from skin and live on surfaces we touch, such as door knobs and toilet seats; bacteria linked to food found in kitchens; and organisms found in places where dust gathers, such as television screens and moldings.

Menninger added that the research team is in the process of analyzing samples and other data from a total of 1,300 homes across the United States.

“We know we have all these bacteria in our home,” said Menninger.  “Let’s learn to live with them.”

Just like their human companions, pets are gaining girth, with more than half of dogs and cats tipping the scales, according to a survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Yet many owners with obese animals believe their pet’s weight is normal, according to veterinarian Joe Bartges, an internal medicine specialist at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and association board member. A proper weight loss plan, developed with the help of a veterinarian, includes increased activity and appropriate food intake. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model)/Daily Dose blog

The Carrillo family knew that Cosmo needed help, but was short on funds, so the Cat Care Clinic in Orange, CA reached out to the Angel Fund to help fund the emergency surgery this 1 year old boy needed.

Unfortunately, Cosmo did not survive the surgery due to going into shock and an adverse drug reaction.

The AHF and Angel Fund send condolences to the Carrillo family.

Mr. Hopper’s Cocker Spaniel mix was diagnosed with Heartworm.  At 82 years old and being on a fixed income, he was struggling to afford the treatment.

So, Dr. Jackson from the Airport Cities Animal Hospital in Inglewood applied  and was approved for an Angel Fund Grant to help Ladybird who is currently on the mend.

Rebecca A. Johnson, University of Missouri, USA (Co-Author of “Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound)

ABSTRACT for AVMA Convention, 2013, Human-Animal Bond Track

A large share of the industrialized world is recognizing and struggling to address an epidemic of overweight and obesity which has also extended itself to companion animals. Creative strategies are needed that transcend species and help to facilitate physical activity. The nature of human-animal interaction (HAI) as a key facilitator of physical activity for both ends of the leash will be explored. In particular, what components of HAI and the human animal bond are most likely to facilitate cross-species physical activity, what role dog walking can play when it is incorporated into treatment plans for people and companion animals, and what arethe theoretical and empirical bases for advocating dog walking?

The potential for dog walking as a communities-wide intervention and its applicability across cultures will be discussed. Attention will be paid to clinical implications around dog walking and its potential for advancing One Health practice in a variety of disciplines.  This work grew out of my research on relocation of older adults in which I found that physical limitations were common reasons for them to relocate to a nursing home. In our first study we achieved significant weight loss among participants. Subsequent studies showed that older adults’ normal walking speed increased
significantly after dog-walking and that dog walking was associated with increased physical activity outside of the dog walking. The findings show that HAI can have important implications for health and well-being.

They can be hard to find, but “off-leash dog beaches are a canine’s dream come true,” according to Lisa Porter, owner of the travel site Pet Hotels of America. The best beaches offer amenities for pets such as showers, bags for waste cleanup and the option for off-leash play. Efforts to develop more oceanside spots for dogs have stalled in some areas amid fears of wildlife impacts and mess, but those who support the beaches say they are good for people in addition to pets. Detroit Free Press/The Associated Press (5/22)

By Ron Berler

Appeared originally in Mysterious Ways magazine.

Casey wasn’t the most popular dog in her owner Carol Baird’s neighborhood of Dalton, Ga. A huge, burly Alaskan malamute, she had a heart of gold but a nose for trouble.

She’d slip out the Baird family’s back door and trot down the street without a care. Most people gave her a wide berth. That was hardly surprising. From a distance, Casey looked a lot like a wolf.

She behaved like one too, or at least had an appetite like one. Neighbors often stormed over to complain. “Your dog got out again, and ate all of our dog’s food!” or “Casey’s turned over our garbage!”

So when a man rapped on Carol’s door, said he lived three blocks away and then asked for her dog’s name, Carol braced herself. What did Casey do this time?

“We have a sliding-glass door that we usually keep open in the summer,” the man began, “and every day for the last several weeks your dog has wandered off the street and come uninvited into my house.”

That dog, Carol thought. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I don’t know why Casey gets herself into such mischief. A lot of it’s our fault. We have to start watching her more closely. But honestly, she means no harm…”

“No, you don’t understand,” the man interrupted. “I came over to thank you.”

The man must have seen the confusion on Carol’s face. No neighbor had ever said anything positive about Casey before. They usually wanted to know who would fill up the two-foot hole she’d energetically dug in their backyard.

But not this neighbor. He explained that his father, who had Alzheimer’s, lived with him and his wife and needed constant monitoring. The father rarely moved from his easy chair in front of the TV in the living room and was often agitated. Caring for him had exhausted the man and his wife.

“I couldn’t remember the last time we had two hours to ourselves,” the man said. “And then, one day, your dog showed up.”

Casey wandered into the house through the sliding door and made straight for the man’s father. “She sat right beside him, like she had planned to visit him all along,” the neighbor said, his voice filled with wonder.

He saw his father turn to Casey and begin to pet her. He stroked her and stroked her, and fell peacefully asleep. “He slept two full hours,” the neighbor said. “It was the biggest midday reprieve my wife and I have had in years.”

Casey returned the next day, and every day after that, as if she had an appointment to keep. Each time was the same. She’d pad to the old man’s chair and sit by his side, letting him pet her till he dozed off.

“To my wife and me,” the neighbor said, “Casey was a gift from heaven. That’s why I’ve come to see you today. Is Casey here?”

“Yes, she is,” Carol said. “Casey!”

The big malamute trotted up, looking at the neighbor with searching eyes. The neighbor gave a gentle pat. “You must have known, didn’t you?” the neighbor said to Casey. “That’s why you just stopped coming a couple of days ago.”

“Known what?” Carol asked.

“My father died in his sleep the night after Casey’s last visit. She knew her job was over.”

Treatment of heartworm disease can cost as much as $1,000 for bigger dogs, much more than the cost of monthly preventive medication, notes veterinarian Melissa James. The health costs to dogs are high, as they suffer severe damage to the heart, kidneys and their overall health, and some dogs do not survive treatment. Heartworm preventive medication has the added bonus of killing other parasites that can cause illness in dogs and people, Dr. James adds. The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) (5/20)

Jody Brickner’s Brittany spaniel, Ruthie, is a survivor.

The 15-year-old first lost her home eight years ago and ended up in rescue. Then she was diagnosed with heartworm disease.

The rescue group opted to spring for the expensive treatment for the friendly orange-and-white dog, and Mrs. Brickner fell in love with her in the process.

“She is a great gal,” said Mrs. Brickner, who lives in Findlay with Ruthie and several other dogs. “Even in her age and weakness, she can still be the boss around here.”

One thing pet owners need to know is that all preventive treatment options for heartworm are much less expensive than treating the disease, said Dr. Melissa James, a veterinarian at Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic in Findlay, where Ruthie was treated.

“Also, once they’ve had heartworm, you can’t reverse the damage to the heart,” Dr. James said.

Both topical and oral medications are available that prevent a dog who is bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm from getting the disease. Oral medications include both hard chews and soft chews, depending on the preference of the dog.

Adult heartworms can grow up to a foot in length and live as long as five years inside a dog. They can clog pulmonary arteries, and if there is significant infestation, the worms back up into the heart itself and eventually fill it. They cause blood clots, and the heart has to work abnormally hard to pump blood through plugged arteries. Heartworms also cause serious inflammation in the arteries that can affect the liver and kidneys.

Heartworm is a silent killer and can easily go undetected for several years, Dr. James said. Dogs don’t start to experience symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, and exercise intolerance until the disease is pretty far along.

Ruthie was given three deep intramuscular injections of Immiticide to kill her heartworms. Dogs being treated for heartworm must be kept quiet and not exercised while the parasites in their system die off.

Several treatment protocols are used, depending on the severity of the disease, which is assessed by clinical exams, radiographs, and blood work, Dr. James said.

Ruthie got one injection, followed by another injection 30 days later, and a third injection 24 hours after the second.

The cost of treatment depends on the weight of the dog and can approach $1,000 for large dogs.

Mrs. Brickner has fostered two other dogs with heartworm for American Brittany Rescue. The group reports about 10 percent of dogs it takes in have heartworm infection.

“Another one was a senior dog with a low infection,” she said. “He was treated just with Heartgard once a month for a slow kill. They felt the standard treatment would have been too hard on him.”

The third dog, Ruby, was severely infected and didn’t make it. “It had already affected her kidneys when she came into rescue,” Mrs. Brickner said. “Her appetite was very poor, and it was very sad. I paid for a treatment that was supposed to clear her blood from toxins because of the kidney failure.

“She felt better for a very short time, only a few days. Within two months of coming into rescue, she pretty much stopped eating, and we made the tough choice to let her go.”

One of the benefits of treatment with heartworm preventive is that it also kills other intestinal parasites such as roundworm and hookworm, which can be passed on to humans, Dr. James said. Some heartworm preventives also kill whipworms.

“They are transmitted via fecal matter through the skin,” Dr. James said. “You don’t necessarily have to ingest the fecal matter. If kids are playing in a yard where an infected dog has defecated, they can get the worms. And no one wants their kids to have internal parasites.”

While dog owners are thinking about preventing heartworm, they also should consider flea and tick preventives, Dr. James said. Some heartworm preventives are effective against fleas and ticks. “Although it seems like a lot of money, it’s a lot cheaper than treating the illness,” Dr. James said. “And ridding your home of fleas once your dog has brought them in is time-consuming and no fun.”

Ticks, which carry Lyme disease, already are prevalent this year, Dr. James said. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 250 out of 45,376 dogs tested positive for Lyme disease in Ohio in 2012, or one in 182. Ticks can be removed by owners, but they must be careful not to crush the tick in the process because that will release the diseases it carries into the dog. It’s also dangerous for owners to burn ticks off dogs.

“They can burn them to destroy them once they remove them, but not while they are still on the dog,” Dr. James said. “I often see more damage from people trying to remove the ticks than what the tick itself has done.

“If the tick is embedded or the dog owner doesn’t feel comfortable in removing them, they should let their vet do it.”

Contact Tanya Irwin at tirwin@theblade.com or 410-724-6066, or on Twitter @TanyaIrwin.

Check out Chris and her pet partner Kinsey having a blast paddle boarding!