Dogs Really are Man's Best Friend

One more reason to have Fido inside - your baby may wheeze less as a result. A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found that having indoor dogs decreased a baby's chance of wheezing during the first year of life.

The researchers speculate that this is due to the higher levels of endotoxin - a protein produced by dogs (and other animals) which may protect against the development of allergies and asthma during infancy.

But before you rush down to the local animal shelter, be forewarned: Endotoxin can also worsen allergies and asthma once they have already developed. And if a child is already allergic to animal dander, the presence of a pet will only make matters worse.