CHILDREN AND PETS

A long-held belief suggested that children growing up with pets were more likely to develop allergies and asthma; however, recent studies have indicated that the opposite may be true.  Researchers found that children who lived in homes with two or more dogs and cats during the first two years of life were less likely to develop pet allergies later in life.  Additional studies have shown that children raised with pets or on farms are less likely to develop asthma and have lower sensitivity to other common allergens:  dust mites, ragweed, and grass.  Allergies and asthma have a hereditary factor.  Before running out to fill your home with pets, talk to your allergist and discuss what is best for your family.

P.S.  One study indicated that the allergy-protective effect of pets was greater with cats than it was with dogs.

---

< < Back to All Articles