While a dog’s fur coat can sometimes be problematic for individuals with allergies, new studies have shown prenatal and early exposure to dogs may stave off certain health issues in children. Eczema, an itchy inflammation of the skin, affects babies as young as a few weeks all the way up to adults. It’s treatable with prescribed medication, but there is no permanent cure or relief from the itching.
A study recently presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting shows evidence that dogs perform their duties as man’s best friend even before children are born. Researchers collected data from a pool of expectant mothers, some who had dogs and some who didn’t. The results show children born to mothers who are exposed to dogs for at least one hour a day during their pregnancy are less likely to develop eczema during infancy compared to children born to mothers who don’t have dogs.
There is no known cause for eczema, and therefore there’s no clear answer as to why having a dog could make a difference in a child developing eczeme. Scientists speculate, however, it could be a result of an overreaction on the part of the immune system. A popular hypothesis is early exposure to dogs builds a kind of tolerance to better equip the immune system to properly respond to certain irritants.
Another study presented by the ACAAI focused on how having a dog affects the severity of asthma with children already diagnosed with the condition. Asthma is a respiratory condition that can range from being minor to life threatening. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, and wheezing occurs when a person’s airways become inflamed and swollen.
In the study, a team of researchers divided dog exposure into two categories. The first was focused on the specific protein responsible for triggering an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. The other looked at the exposure of bacteria and other particulates dogs are known to carry.
In their conclusion, researchers determined children with asthma who were exposed to the bacteria experienced a reduction in asthma symptoms. Lead author of the study, Po-Yang Tsou, MD, MPH, describes the results as a “protective effect.” The dog bacteria worked to support the respiratory system and make breathing easier.
At the same time, however, exposure to the allergen-causing protein made asthma worse. Dr. Tsou stresses the importance of managing dog allergies, especially with children who have asthma.
These studies add to the already long list of health benefits associated to owning a dog. It’s already well-known that having a dog can reduce stress and improve a person’s physical activity level. There are still several questions associated with the studies related to eczema and asthma, but these initial results show yet another reason why dogs deserve the title of man’s best friend.
