Study: Infants Living With Dogs Wheeze Less - Dog Forums

Rottweilerlvr · 11-30-2006, 09:08 PM

Living With Dogs May Help Babies Breathe Easier
Study: Infants Living With Dogs Wheeze Less

POSTED: 1:48 pm EST November 30, 2006

Dogs can offer babies all kinds of love and attention -- and they might help them breathe easier, too.

Living in a home with multiple dogs may help reduce an infant's risk for developing wheezing in the first year of life, according to a study in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

University of Cincinnati researchers found that infants living in homes with high levels of endotoxins and multiple dogs were more than two times less likely to wheeze than other infants.

Endotoxins are natural compounds secreted from disease-causing agents such as bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines and feces. Scientists believe that endotoxins can stimulate our immune systems in many different ways.

"Our research presents evidence that pet ownership offers a protective effect against development of lower respiratory symptoms in young children," lead researcher Dr. David Bernstein said in a news release.

Bernstein said the researchers don't know why the endotoxin-multiple dog combination seems to have a protective effect on infants. He said further research is needed to determine if these early protective effects have long-term benefits.

The team analyzed the effects of pet ownership and endotoxin exposure in 520 infants enrolled in the five-year Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study who were identified as being at greater risk for developing allergies because at least one parent had known allergies.

Researchers collected dust samples from the infants' homes to measure endotoxin levels. They also determined the number of siblings and gathered information about the home, including the presence of mold and secondhand smoke. Environmental and food allergy development was monitored through annual skin prick tests.

http://www.wral.com/news/10432327/detail.html?taf=ral

BelovedJuggernaut · 11-30-2006, 10:06 PM

That is a really good article!

Yay, another reason to have dogs forever!

SmoothCollieluver · 11-30-2006, 10:35 PM

Ya they told me that when my kids were babies. It is supposed to help over the lifetime with allergies too.

ClarkFarm · 12-01-2006, 01:27 PM

What's that saying... there are two things every child needs while growing up. A dog, and a mother willing to let him have one.

Rottweilerlvr · 12-01-2006, 02:46 PM

Basically, Clark... That will be no problem when I become a mother... There will always be a dog...

11-30-2006, 09:08 PM	#1
Rottweilerlvr Leader of the Pack Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 789	Study: Infants Living With Dogs Wheeze Less Living With Dogs May Help Babies Breathe Easier Study: Infants Living With Dogs Wheeze Less POSTED: 1:48 pm EST November 30, 2006 Dogs can offer babies all kinds of love and attention -- and they might help them breathe easier, too. Living in a home with multiple dogs may help reduce an infant's risk for developing wheezing in the first year of life, according to a study in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. University of Cincinnati researchers found that infants living in homes with high levels of endotoxins and multiple dogs were more than two times less likely to wheeze than other infants. Endotoxins are natural compounds secreted from disease-causing agents such as bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines and feces. Scientists believe that endotoxins can stimulate our immune systems in many different ways. "Our research presents evidence that pet ownership offers a protective effect against development of lower respiratory symptoms in young children," lead researcher Dr. David Bernstein said in a news release. Bernstein said the researchers don't know why the endotoxin-multiple dog combination seems to have a protective effect on infants. He said further research is needed to determine if these early protective effects have long-term benefits. The team analyzed the effects of pet ownership and endotoxin exposure in 520 infants enrolled in the five-year Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study who were identified as being at greater risk for developing allergies because at least one parent had known allergies. Researchers collected dust samples from the infants' homes to measure endotoxin levels. They also determined the number of siblings and gathered information about the home, including the presence of mold and secondhand smoke. Environmental and food allergy development was monitored through annual skin prick tests. http://www.wral.com/news/10432327/detail.html?taf=ral __________________ Linnea Shirley ================== Countess Isabella de la Rosa, TT, CGC Riddick, Rescued Rottweiler The Fearless Cat, Mr. Kiki ================== Baxter "Always in my Heart" 01/03/00 - 09/07/07 Beloved Rottweiler

11-30-2006, 10:06 PM	#2
BelovedJuggernaut Everything is Beautiful Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 285	That is a really good article! Yay, another reason to have dogs forever! __________________ Everything is beautiful, just open your hearts & minds and take a look around...

12-01-2006, 01:27 PM	#4
ClarkFarm Spay-Neuter-Adopt Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 452	What's that saying... there are two things every child needs while growing up. A dog, and a mother willing to let him have one. __________________ "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." - Cheryl Zuccaro

12-01-2006, 02:46 PM	#5
Rottweilerlvr Leader of the Pack Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 789	Basically, Clark... That will be no problem when I become a mother... There will always be a dog... __________________ Linnea Shirley ================== Countess Isabella de la Rosa, TT, CGC Riddick, Rescued Rottweiler The Fearless Cat, Mr. Kiki ================== Baxter "Always in my Heart" 01/03/00 - 09/07/07 Beloved Rottweiler

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11-30-2006, 10:35 PM	#3
SmoothCollieluver For the Love Of the Breed Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a house Posts: 874	Ya they told me that when my kids were babies. It is supposed to help over the lifetime with allergies too.