Can a Pet Save Your Child from Asthma?

Medical researches in Sweden found some very surprising relationships between pet exposure at an early age and the later development of asthma in children.

In a recent study of nearly 2,500 children, 8.5% of children, ages 12-13, who had not been around pets as youngsters, suffered from asthma. This is compared to only 33% who grew up crawling around the floor with cats and dogs.

These findings contradict conventional wisdom - avoid pet dander, avoid the allergens, keep the baby's environment as clean as possible. Why does early pet exposure decrease the chances of childhood asthma? Desensitization may be the answer. It is not a guarantee but it is nice to know a little pet fuzz won't harm your baby.