Pet cats and dogs lower the risk of kids having food allergies: More benefits in having pets

New Japanese research claims that kids living with pets have lower risks of having specific food allergies.

It can become one more good reason to get a pet cat or a dog.

Let's find out more about it.

Infants can become more protected when they live in families who have pets

New research suggests that newborns living with cats or dogs have a lower likelihood of developing food allergies. 

The study, involving over 65,000 infants, found that exposure to pets during fetal development or early life reduced the risk of food allergies by approximately 14%. 

It's even better when pets are kept indoors

The benefit was most significant when dogs were kept indoors and when exposure occurred during both fetal development and infancy. 

Although the study couldn't confirm pets themselves as the direct cause, pediatricians specializing in allergies view the results as reassuring for pet owners. 

They can help with other allergies as well

Other studies have also shown potential health benefits of pet contact, such as lower rates of allergies, respiratory issues, and improved well-being. 

However, more research is needed to establish a causal relationship between pet ownership and food allergies.
 

• Related news:
• pets
• pets facts
• children
• health
• research
• 17 June 2023

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