Dogs Can Lower A Child’s Likelihood Of Developing Related Allergies

While you probably shouldn’t bring a pup home if someone in your family already has a dog allergy, introducing a pet in the home from an early age can actually reduce the likelihood of an allergy developing down the road. Pediatrician James E. Gern published a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology that suggests this. 

Dr. Gern found that children who grow up with pets develop stronger overall immune systems and may be up to 33% less likely to develop pet-related allergies.