From the Guidelines
Early exposure to dogs may help reduce the risk of allergies in children, as research suggests that children who grow up with dogs in their homes during their first year of life often develop stronger immune systems and have lower rates of allergies and asthma later in childhood. This protective effect occurs because exposure to pet dander, bacteria, and other microbes that dogs bring into the home helps train the developing immune system to respond appropriately to allergens rather than overreacting to them 1. The effect appears strongest when exposure happens during infancy, particularly the first year of life, when the immune system is still developing.
Key Considerations
- Genetics and other environmental factors also play important roles in allergy development, so this doesn't guarantee complete protection against allergies.
- For children who already have allergies, introducing a dog might actually worsen symptoms, so parents should consider their child's existing health conditions before getting a pet.
- If considering a dog for potential allergy benefits, no specific breed is definitively better than others, despite claims about "hypoallergenic" breeds.
Management of Allergies
According to the guidelines, in infants and preschool children, no special avoidance of exposure to pets at home is suggested to reduce the risk of developing allergy or asthma 1. However, clinicians and patients may reasonably choose an alternative action considering circumstances that include other sensitized family members.
Reducing Exposure to Allergens
For families who already have pets, measures such as confining the animal to an uncarpeted room, using a HEPA or electrostatic air purifier, and frequent bathing of the dog can help reduce airborne allergen 1. Additionally, washing the bedding with soap and water, and using a HEPA filter vacuum system can also help reduce exposure to allergens.
From the Research
Studies on Dogs and Allergies in Children
- Multiple studies have investigated the relationship between exposure to dogs in early childhood and the development of allergies later in life 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The majority of these studies suggest that exposure to dogs in the first year of life may reduce the risk of allergic sensitization or allergic disease later in childhood 2, 3, 5, 6.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2002 found that exposure to two or more dogs or cats in the first year of life was associated with a significantly lower risk of atopy and seroatopy at age 6 to 7 years 3.
- Another study published in 2020 found that having a dog in the house was inversely associated with the risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic sensitization by age 5 5.
- A comprehensive literature review published in 2023 found fairly consistent results regarding early exposure to pets, particularly dogs, and the prevention of food allergies 4.
Factors Influencing the Relationship
- The relationship between dog exposure and allergy risk may be influenced by various factors, including the child's genetic background and early exposure to different environmental factors 2, 4, 5.
- Some studies suggest that the association between dog exposure and a lower risk of allergy is due to differences in other environmental exposures or genetic differences between exposed and non-exposed children 2.