If you’re a parent, you’ve probably wondered: does having a dog help or hurt when it comes to your child’s risk of allergies and asthma? The answer, according to new research, is that early exposure to dogs may actually help protect children from developing asthma—and may even benefit their skin.
What Did the Latest Study Find?
A large study followed over 1,000 children from infancy to age five. Researchers collected dust samples from the homes of these babies when they were just a few months old, measuring how much dog allergen (the stuff dogs naturally shed) was present. They then tracked which children developed asthma and how well their lungs worked as they grew.
The results? Kids who were exposed to higher levels of dog allergen as babies were about half as likely to develop asthma by age five. They also had better lung function, even if they didn’t have asthma.
Why Would Dog Exposure Be Protective?
Scientists think that being around dogs early in life helps “train” a child’s immune system. Dogs bring a variety of microbes and allergens into the home, which may help the body learn to tolerate things in the environment, rather than overreacting with allergies or asthma. This exposure may also help the skin and gut develop a healthier balance of bacteria, which is important for both skin and respiratory health.
The Skin–Lung Connection
You might be surprised to learn that the health of your child’s skin is closely linked to their risk of allergies and asthma. Children who develop eczema (a common, itchy skin rash) early in life are more likely to develop allergies and asthma later on. This is sometimes called the “atopic march.”
Interestingly, studies show that having a dog in the home can lower the risk of eczema and allergic sensitization (becoming allergic to things in the environment). This suggests that dogs may help protect both the skin and the lungs.
Genetics Matter, Too
Not every child will benefit equally from early dog exposure. Some children have genetic differences (like mutations in the filaggrin gene, which affects the skin barrier) that make them more prone to allergies. For these kids, having a dog in the home as a baby seems to be especially protective against developing allergies.
What About Cats and Other Allergens?
The story is different for cats. Some studies suggest that early exposure to cats may actually increase the risk of allergies, especially in children with certain genetic backgrounds. High levels of dust mite or mouse allergens in the home are also linked to a higher risk of allergies and asthma.
What Does This Mean for Families?
- If you already have a dog: There’s no need to worry—having a dog in the home may actually help protect your child from asthma and eczema, especially if they’re exposed early in life.
- If you’re considering getting a dog: For most families, especially those without a strong family history of severe allergies, having a dog is unlikely to increase your child’s risk of asthma or eczema—and may even lower it.
- If your child already has allergies or eczema: Talk to your doctor about the best approach. For some children, especially those who are already allergic, avoiding certain animals may still be recommended.
The Bottom Line
Growing up with a dog may help “teach” your child’s immune system to be less reactive, lowering the risk of asthma and possibly eczema. The relationship between pets, allergies, and skin health is complex and influenced by genetics, but for many families, a dog can be a healthy—and happy—addition to the home.
The Dermatologist’s Dog is your source for the latest science on skin, allergies, and the pets we love.