Microbiome Sharing

Dog ownership is associated with more diverse microbiomes than not owning a dog. Attempting to create a fully isolated personal microbial bubble is unrealistic because microbial sharing is fundamental to life on Earth. Shared food, physical contact, hugs, close living quarters, and shared air all contribute to microbial exchange between people. People who live together and interact frequently tend to exchange microbes. Shared meals, physical contact, close proximity, and shared living spaces contribute to microbiome convergence among family members. Pets are included in household microbial exchange. Dogs increase opportunities for microbial exchange through environmental contact and close physical contact with owners. Microbiomes can begin to converge among immediate family members, including pets, depending on how much they interact. The practical goal of managing microbial exposure is not total avoidance but building a resilient biological system.