If you have a reason to become a dog lover, how about their ability to help protect children from allergies and obesity? A new study found that babies from families with pets — 70 percent of which were dogs — showed higher levels of two types of microbes associated with a lower risk of allergic disease and obesity.
The latest findings are based on two decades of research showing that children who grow up with dogs have a lower risk of developing asthma. The theory is that exposure to dirt and bacteria early in life can create immunity early, although the researchers aren't sure whether the effect is from bacteria on the furry friends or from human transmission from touching the animals. It's far too early to predict how these findings will play out in the future, so don't get a dog right away!
