microrobert
07-09-2012, 09:13 AM
Many Babies Healthier in Homes With Dogs
Fewer Colds, Ear Infections in Infants With Dogs (Cats Help, Too)
Babies in homes with dogs have fewer colds, fewer ear infections (http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/), and need fewer antibiotics in their first year of life than babies raised in pet-free homes, Finnish researchers find.
Homes with cats are healthier for babies, too, but not to the same extent as those with dogs, note researchers Eija Bergroth, MD, of Finland's Kuopio University Hospital, and colleagues.
"The strongest effect was seen with dog contacts. We do not know why it was stronger than with cat contacts," Bergroth tells WebMD. "It might have something to do with dirt brought inside by the dogs, especially since the strongest protective effect was seen with children living in houses where dogs spent a lot of time outside."
Many Babies Healthier in Homes With Dogs (http://children.webmd.com/news/20120709/many-babies-healthier-in-homes-with-dogs)
Fewer Colds, Ear Infections in Infants With Dogs (Cats Help, Too)
Babies in homes with dogs have fewer colds, fewer ear infections (http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/), and need fewer antibiotics in their first year of life than babies raised in pet-free homes, Finnish researchers find.
Homes with cats are healthier for babies, too, but not to the same extent as those with dogs, note researchers Eija Bergroth, MD, of Finland's Kuopio University Hospital, and colleagues.
"The strongest effect was seen with dog contacts. We do not know why it was stronger than with cat contacts," Bergroth tells WebMD. "It might have something to do with dirt brought inside by the dogs, especially since the strongest protective effect was seen with children living in houses where dogs spent a lot of time outside."
Many Babies Healthier in Homes With Dogs (http://children.webmd.com/news/20120709/many-babies-healthier-in-homes-with-dogs)