Pet Ownership and Allergy Prevention

Owning a pet can bring great joy to a person’s life. Many studies have shown benefits of pet ownership on a person’s quality of life, as well as various health benefits, such as stress reduction. Pet ownership in extremely common in the United States, with up to half of all homes owning either a dog or a cat. In other countries around the world, pet ownership varies from nearly 90% (New Zealand) to about 2% (Spain). Some people, however, are allergic to pets, and owning a dog or cat may result in a worsening of their underlying allergies and asthma.

Studies have suggested that owning a pet may decrease the chance that a child will develop allergies, which could be explained in part by the hygiene hypothesis. These studies showed different results as to which type of pet (dog or cat), the timing of pet ownership, and the number of pets that was most protective. A recent study published in 2009 examined the association between pet ownership during childhood and adulthood and the development of allergies.

This particular study, performed by researchers in Canada and New Zealand, found that children who had both a dog and a cat in the home at any time during their lives up to age 9 had a decrease in the development of allergies by age 13. Owning only a cat or a dog was not protective against the development of allergies.

Similarly, for adults who did not have allergies by the age of 18, owning both a cat and a dog protected against the development of allergies by age 32, while owning only one of these pets was not protective.

It seems that the protective effect of owning a dog and a cat was highest in people with a family history of allergies. In addition, dog and cat ownership not only prevented the development of allergies to dog and cat dander, but also prevented the development of allergies to dust mite and pollens.

It is not known why owning a dog and a cat can reduce the chance of developing allergies in children and young adults, although it’s possible that the effects these two different allergens have on the immune system is beneficial in preventing allergies. It is important, however, to note that once a child or young adult develops allergic sensitization to dogs or cats, avoidance measures should be followed in order to reduce the severity of allergic disease.

Learn more about the prevention of allergies.

_Sources:

_{Mandhane PJ, Sears MR, Poulton R, et al. Cats and Dogs and the Risk of Atopy in Childhood and Adulthood. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;124:745-50.}

_{Salo PM, Zeldin DC. Does Exposure to Cats and Dogs Decrease the Risk of Allergic Sensitization and Disease? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;124:751-2.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}