Source: New York Times
A new study published in PLOS One found that children who live with pets as toddlers are less likely to develop allergies as they grow up, and the odds of developing allergies decrease with an increase in pets.
The study by Swedish researchers took into account more than 1,200 children, and monitored their progress at 18 months, 3 years and 9 years. The correlation between pet ownership and decrease risk for allergies persisted throughout the study.
Lead author of the study, Bill Hesselmar, explained that pets can help reduce allergies in children, but this is also in addition to having more siblings and other factors related to hygiene which can make the immune system stronger.
Read Full Story: New York Times