Having a dog reduces the risk that young children will develop allergies, German researchers reported yesterday.
The finding, based on a study of 9,000 children, lends weight to the theory that growing up with a pet trains the immune system to be less sensitive.
Just why this should be is unclear, but scientists believe youngsters may get beneficial early exposure to germs carried into the house on the animal's fur, which helps their immune systems develop.
Copyright 2007 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.