THE FUSE

It turns out that sharing your home with a dog or cat could mean sharing far more than companionship. Emerging research suggests that people and their pets may also share aspects of their gut microbiomes – the trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that play a vital role in everything from digestion and immunity to brain function and overall wellbeing. As scientists uncover more about this fascinating connection, the microbiome is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting frontiers in both human and veterinary health.