When President Obama promised his daughters a puppy last year, the media and America followed the story lines that detailed the search for the perfect pet.    Malia was allergic and the family would need a "hypoallergenic" dog.  They finally chose a Portuguese Water Dog based on the breed’s lack of shedding.  While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there are several breeds that seem to be less problematic to the allergy sufferer. 

From his book, “The Healing Powers of Pets”,  Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian”, says there is new evidence suggesting that exposure to pets early in life might actually help the body  to build defenses against allergies and asthma, thereby protecting children from developing reactions, rather than triggering them.  That’s great news his new grandbaby, Reagan. She’s growing up sandwiched between two Pugs  — aka the “Furry Jack-in-the-Boxes” — and he expects her to have the world’s healthiest immune system.  It is also a relief to our clients when they inquire whether they might have to get rid of  or isolate their “firstborn” four-legged child when he/she gets a sibling in the form of a “second born” two- legged child .

“Kids exposed to animals seemed to be better off,” said Christine Johnson, Ph.D., a senior research epidemiologist with the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.  Dr. Christine Johnson’s study tracked 833 children over seven years and found that exposure to two or more cats and dogs at one year of age made children less susceptible to other allergy-inducing substances by the time they turned seven, and that the exposure even improved some boys’ lung function.

Other research since then has supported these findings, but it’s not just allergens; it’s germs, too. It’s part of what’s known as the “hygiene hypothesis,” the idea that as standards of household cleanliness have been raised, children are being exposed to fewer and fewer germs and allergens, and their immune systems are not as robust as they would be if raised with dust, dirt, farm animals and, of course, “snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.”  One important note: It’s very important that you start early.  If you have pets early on with your newborn or toddlers, great.   If you wait until they are a teenager to get a pet to reduce allergies or asthma, not only does it not work, but, it may make these conditions worse.

So, as a mother, don’t fret about your baby being licked by your family pet or them sharing toys.  You may just be boosting their immunes system while they are growing up learning the joys of having a furry best friend!