The research also suggests that having pets can also prevent people from various skin problems

Leer en Español: Niños dueños de perros tienen menor probabilidad de tener asma

In the past, it was thought that dog fur would affect kids’ health. Many argued that it would cause allergies and even asthma. However, thanks to a new investigation, this proves to be all but true.

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Dogs can provide a protective effect against eczema and asthma in children and even in kids allergic to them

A study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, ACAAI, revealed that having dogs is actually healthy for kids. According to the research shown during the Annual Scientific Meeting, babies that were born IGNORE INTO a home that has one or more dogs would receive a protective effect against eczema for about 10 years. In the second part of the investigation, it was shown that these animals can also help shield infants from asthma, even in those kids already allergic to dogs.

The second research studied the effects of two different types of dog exposure on children who suffered asthma in Baltimore, Maryland. The first group of children was exposure to a protein, or an allergen, that only affects those who are already allergic. The second group was exposed to bacteria and elements that dogs might carry. The results revealed that these might have a protective effect against asthma symptoms.

ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergist-immunologist and allied health professionals.

Gagandeep Cheema, ACAAI member and lead author, explained “although eczema is commonly found in infants, many people don’t know there is a progression from eczema to food allergies to nasal allergies and asthma”.

Some elements dogs carry , like bacteria, might have a protective effect against asthma symptoms

The researchers believe that a “child’s contact with factors other than dog allergen, such as bacteria or other unknown factors, may provide the protective effect”.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommended some tips for people with dog allergies who keep their pets indoors:

• Keep your dog out of your bedroom and restrict its entrance to only a few rooms. Know that keeping the dog in only one room will not limit the flow of allergens throughout the house
• After you pet or hug your dog, wash your hands with soap and water
• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners that run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time. Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can also reduce allergen levels
• Giving your dog a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne dog allergen

Latin American Post | Santiago Gómez Hernández

Copy edited by Susana Cicchetto