Health research benefits both dogs and humans

Dogs and humans have many common threats to our physical health. Prevention and treatment strategies to minimise these threats may be similar in many canine and human diseases. — Dreamstime/TNS

The bond between humans and dogs has always been strong. In recent years, this bond has only grown stronger as dogs have become beloved members of the family – sharing our homes, hobbies and furniture.

But do you know that they also share many of the same health concerns as us? From cancer to infectious disease to toxin exposure and more, dogs and humans have many common threats to our physical health. Prevention and treatment strategies to minimise these threats may be similar in many canine and human diseases. Therefore, research to understand dog health may also benefit people at the other end of the leash.