Early exposure to dogs may lower risk of asthma, study finds
Exposure to dogs in the first year of life could decrease the risk of asthma in school-age children by as much as 13 per cent.
Early exposure to dogs and farm animals may lower the risk of childhood asthma, according to a new study.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, found that exposure to dogs in the first year of life could decrease the risk of asthma in school-age children by as much as 13 per cent and pre-schoolers by 10 per cent.
It also found that early exposure to farm animals could also significantly lower the risk of asthma by an estimated 52 per cent in school-age children and 31 per cent in pre-schoolers.
The researchers say that the study "might be helpful in decision making for families and physicians on the appropriateness and timing of early animal exposure."
It was not determined why children who are exposed to dogs or farm animals appeared to be less likely to develop asthma. However, the researchers say that their findings support the hygiene hypothesis. This is the idea that children who grow up in germ-free environments have underdeveloped immune systems and are therefore more vulnerable to allergic conditions such as asthma.
However, the NHS argues that the study cannot categorically prove that living with or around animals reduces the risk of childhood asthma. A spokesperson said: "The research has attempted to adjust for various potential cofounders, including parental asthma, but other factors may still have an influence.
"One proven way to reduce the risk of childhood asthma is to never expose your children to tobacco smoke both during pregnancy and when they are growing up."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
