Children with dogs less likely to have asthma

BUT MORE STUDY NEEDED, EXPERT SAYS

- By STAFF REPORTER

CHILDREN who grow up with dogs in the home are less likely to develop childhood asthma, a study suggests.

Researchers measured levels of allergens found in dust in the family homes of more than 1,000 babies.

They then tracked the children to see whether or not they developed asthma by the time they were five.

However, more work is needed to understand how living with pets affects children’s lungs in the long term, a Leicester expert says.

Study author Dr Jacob McCoy said asthma “is caused by complex interactions between genetic factors and the environment, including infections, allergies and air pollution”.