A new study just out claims children who grow up with pets have stronger immune systems and spend more time at school than those children who don't own pets.
The new research carried out by health psychologist Dr June McNicholas of the University of Warwick and drug company Nova
rtis Animal Health measured levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) - an antibody found in the immune system that helps fight off infection.
After testing the saliva of 138 children aged between four and 11-years-old for IgA antibodies, results showed that pet-owning children were able to fend off infection such as colds and flu better than those children without pets.
The research also showed that pet-owning children benefited from up to nine extra days at school than non pet-owning counterparts.
Dr McNicholas said: 'Our study shows that we can get too 'hung up' on hygiene and super-clean homes,' she says. 'This can prevent our children's defence system from building up immunity to common household antibodies such as dust, dirt and animal hair.'
However, Dr McNicholas warns, having household pets means that we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to pet health and hygiene. 'Animals can also pose health risks such as roundworm if neglected. This means animals need to be kept clean and healthy,' she says.
CAN PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ASTHMA
Medics are divided over whether animals can protect against or trigger allergies.
Scientists from Humboldt University in Berlin believe children who come from ultra clean homes are more likely to develop allergies. A study of 1,300 German children found that those from high socio-economic status who lived 'cosseted lifestyles' were more at risk of being struck down by eczema or asthma.
Muriel Simmons, chief executive of the British Allergy Foundation, says that children who are not exposed to bacteria are more at risk of developing allergies.
'Children who are well-off are more inclined to play on computers rather than getting into rough and tumble in the mud outdoors where they get used to fighting off infection,' she says.
However, according to another study by American doctors, children with a history of pet allergies were 24 times more likely to suffer asthma.
The researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital studied the health records of more than 8,000 young sufferers. They discovered that certain youngsters had an increased risk which could be traced to exposure to household allergens such as pet fur.
Although this subject is still hotly debated, Dr June McNicholas of the University of Warwick says the benefits of owning a pet outweigh the hazards.
If you are considering owning a pet but are worried about your child's health, consult your GP.
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After testing the saliva of 138 children aged between four and 11-years-old for IgA antibodies, results showed that pet-owning children were able to fend off infection such as colds and flu better than those children without pets.
The research also showed that pet-owning children benefited from up to nine extra days at school than non pet-owning counterparts.
Dr McNicholas said: 'Our study shows that we can get too 'hung up' on hygiene and super-clean homes,' she says. 'This can prevent our children's defence system from building up immunity to common household antibodies such as dust, dirt and animal hair.'
However, Dr McNicholas warns, having household pets means that we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to pet health and hygiene. 'Animals can also pose health risks such as roundworm if neglected. This means animals need to be kept clean and healthy,' she says.
CAN PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ASTHMA
Medics are divided over whether animals can protect against or trigger allergies.
Scientists from Humboldt University in Berlin believe children who come from ultra clean homes are more likely to develop allergies. A study of 1,300 German children found that those from high socio-economic status who lived 'cosseted lifestyles' were more at risk of being struck down by eczema or asthma.
Muriel Simmons, chief executive of the British Allergy Foundation, says that children who are not exposed to bacteria are more at risk of developing allergies.
'Children who are well-off are more inclined to play on computers rather than getting into rough and tumble in the mud outdoors where they get used to fighting off infection,' she says.
However, according to another study by American doctors, children with a history of pet allergies were 24 times more likely to suffer asthma.
The researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital studied the health records of more than 8,000 young sufferers. They discovered that certain youngsters had an increased risk which could be traced to exposure to household allergens such as pet fur.
Although this subject is still hotly debated, Dr June McNicholas of the University of Warwick says the benefits of owning a pet outweigh the hazards.
If you are considering owning a pet but are worried about your child's health, consult your GP.
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