Children Exposed to Pups, Farm Animals Grow Asthma-Free

If you’re not among the lucky few who may visit a farm regularly, at least bring a dog into your home for your baby to grow asthma and allergy free. According to a recently published study, children exposed to pups, farm animals grow asthma-free.

However, if you or your child already present allergies, perhaps it’s not such a good idea. For everyone else, a dog might be a good idea. Previous studies have already shown the myriad of benefits that can stem from finding your own man’s best friend: therapeutic, bound to increase physical exercise levels, skyrocketing self-esteem and…calm.

The recently published study comes to add one extra perk to the list. If your child is exposed to a furry companion early in childhood, the chances that asthma or allergies become a problem are significantly lower.

The study was conducted with the help of Swedish children. 376,000 children recruited for the study are of preschool age. The older group, of school age already, includes 276,200 children. For both groups, the research team accounted for exposure to both pet dogs and farm animals.

Children who grew having their pup friend by their side were 13 percent less likely to develop asthma by the age of 6. At this fragile age when exposure to allergens, microbes and viruses may be dangerous, owning a pet or being exposed to animals has its perks.

Children exposed to pups, farm animals grow asthma-free. Particularly when it comes to farm animals. The research team found that the children who were exposed to farm animals since an early age had 52 percent lower asthma risk when they reached school age.

Researchers didn’t establish a connection between the decrease in asthma or allergy risk and early life exposure to pets or farm animals. Possibly, due to the association between the bacteria present in a home and owning a dog, children strengthen their immune system at an accelerated pace.

Photo Credits: Pixabay