By Brianne Hogan / Source: Ecorazzi

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For those of us who adore receiving pecks from our pooches, here’s some good news: we might soon have scientific evidence that proves dog kisses are good for our health.

Researches from the University of Arizona are launching a study that will explore whether bacteria found in dog saliva can lessen the sneezing, itching, hives, and other allergic reactions.

The 12-week study will assign several people between the ages of 50 to 60 years of age to a dog companion, and then afterwards, will measure to see if their immune response improved with the presence of a dog.

The dog could potentially work almost as a “probiotic” and help build healthy bacteria colonies in the human owner, Dr. Charles Raison, the study’s lead researcher told ABC News.

“If the dogs and human owners look similar microbiota-wise … then it means dogs are basically having probiotic-enhancing microbiota of human owners,” he said.

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