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Science Sunday

2/17/2020

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Welcome to our new feature where each Sunday we will delve into the world of science as related to dogs. These posts will be our crude interpretation of recent scientific studies in the canine world. Today's topic:

Early Exposure to pets effect on mental health 

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It has been well know (to some) that some psychiatric  disorders may be linked to environmental exposure to immune system disrupters in early life.

Dr Robert Yolken of  Johns Hopkins Children's Center conducted a study investigating the relationship between exposure to a household pet cat or dog during the first 12 years of life and a later diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The study found a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of schizophrenia in those exposed to a dog early in life. Yolken found as much as  24% fewer schizophrenia diagnosis among those brought up with pet dogs before their 13th birthday.
Yolken did not find any such relationship between exposure to dogs and bi-polar disorder. More significantly, he found no significant relationship between exposure to cats and either schizophrenia or bi-polar, however there was a slight increase in risk of developing either disorder for those who were first in contact with cats between the ages of 9 and 12.
Multiple epidemiological studies conducted since 1953 have shown there also is a statistical connection between a person exposed to the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Toxoplasmosis, is a condition in which cats are the primary hosts of a parasite transmitted to humans.
Some of our own thoughts on this are:   
  • rather than immune response perhaps some of these disorders are cognitive    related, and any dog owner can tell you that exposure to dogs leads to more well adjusted individuals.
  • Maybe homes where children are brought up with dogs are better off and have more robust health regimes  overall.
​At any rate Yolken has proven once again that dogs are our best friends. The study can be found here.

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  • Home
  • In Class Learning
  • One on One Learning
    • Good Dog Program
    • Best Dog Program
    • Invisible Leash Program
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    • Special Needs
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  • Contact
  • About
  • Directions
  • Blog