Do Dogs or Cats Prevent Allergies in Children?

Question: Do Dogs or Cats Prevent Allergies in Children?

Answer: Yes, but get a dog and a cat. Most parents would like to prevent allergies in their children and often obtain pets in hopes that this will help to reduce the chance of their children getting allergies. Past 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.

In fact, a study published in 2009 by researchers in Canada and New Zealand found that children who had both a dog and a cat in the home at any time before age 9 showed 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.

It is not known why owning both a dog and a cat can reduce the chance of developing allergies in children, 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 develops allergic sensitization to dogs or cats, avoidance measures should be followed in order to reduce the severity of allergic disease.

Learn about types of hypoallergenic dogs that would be good choices for people with 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.}