Preventing Pet Allergies in Children
Can Early Exposure Help a Child Av oid Being Allergic to an Animal?
Oct 27, 2008
Expectant parents with pets in their home often wonder if it would be in the best interest of their soon to be born child to find a new home for their cats and/or dogs. Parents may have concerns over their child being allergic to the pet in the home and may want to avoid potential illness.
Expectant parents and parents with young children can rest assured that getting rid of their family pet is not something that is necessary when they bring a baby into the home. Early exposure to pets may actually be in the best interest of their child and avoid problems down the road.
Early Exposure May Prevent Allergies
The Journal of the American Medical Association published an article in August 2002 in which the findings of research on a child's developing allergies in a home with a pet was positive. Research results found that children raised in homes with at least one pet were actually less likely to develop pet allergies than children without pets. Children raised in homes with more than one pet had a greater decrease in allergy development.
An interesting and surprising finding was children raised in households with more than one animal were less likely to be allergic other things besides pets, such as common outdoor allergens as well.
Why Does Early Exposure Reduce the Risk of Allergies?
Scientists are not certain why early exposure to pets can reduce the risk of pet allergies in children. A popular theory is the dust and dander from a cat or dog stimulates the body's immune system in a way that makes the allergen harmless to the child from then on.
It is possible that keeping a child away from allergens early in life may make that child more sensitive to them and less able to fight off an allergic reaction in the future. Having a dog or cat in the home may make a baby healthier and stronger throughout his or her entire life.
Signs of a Pet Allergy
Parents of young children with a pet in the home may want to be informed about potential symptoms of an allergy to a pet. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota outlined the following symptoms that may be a sign a child is allergic to an animal:
- Sneezing
- Watery Eyes
- Itchy Eyes
- Runny Nose
- Stuffy Nose
- Itchy nose, mouth or throat
- Postnasal drip
Parents of infants or toddlers, whose small children are experiencing symptoms of an allergy, should consult with their pediatrician about the problem. If the child is truly allergic to a cat or a dog then the animal will need to be removed from the home in order to preserve the child's health. Parents can be reassured that such allergies are far less common than once believe, but also be aware that they do exist.
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