Effects Of Pets On Asthma Development

Based on this study of children and companion animals, researchers conclude that companion animal exposure early in life may prevent the development of allergic sensitivities to pollen and dust mites at eight years of age.

In this study of nearly 3,000 children with and without companion animals, researchers found that children with a cat or dog at home at 3 months of age had a significantly lower prevalence of sensitivity to inhalant allergens at age 8. However, exposure to a companion animal at age 3 months did not prevent the development of asthma.

In addition, exposure to dogs or cats at any later point during childhood did not affect the likeliness of developing asthma up to 8 years old. However, exposure to dogs after two years of age increased the transient symptoms of dry cough and wheeze.