Dog’s Help Boost your Baby’s Immune System

Many believe that infants should avoid spending too much time with the pet dog because of the dog’s fur and the perception that a dog’s coat is dirty. A recent study however has concluded this is actually a fallacy. Researchers compared the results from babies that don’t have dogs to those who do have dogs at home. Surprisingly, babies with a pet pooch are less likely to catch a cold, develop asthma and even allergic reactions.

“Children who had contact with dogs at home were healthier and had less frequent ear infections and needed fewer courses of antibiotics than children who had no contact with dogs” said Dr Eija Bergroth, study author and pediatrician at Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.

She believes that babies, when exposed to pathogens and minor bacteria can build a more mature immune system. However, she stressed that parents should not rush out to get a pet, but there is also no reason to stay away from these furry friends just because of fear that the child may get sick.

Having a dog at home not only assists your child develop with a playful companion but possibly may just help him fight off that common disease too!