In addition to being great companions, dogs could also help protect children against certain health issues! Did you grow up with a dog as a child?

Having a dog is good for your child's health

A team of researchers from Alberta, Canada found that owning a dog is beneficial for a child's health. For example, having a dog at home could reduce the risks of children developing allergies and help prevent children from becoming obese as well.

For their research, they collected fecal samples from a group of children that they followed for 20 years.

They found that 70% of the children raised with a dog had a greater number of bacteria in their stool. The scientists found bacteria such Ruminococcus and Oscillospira.

These two types of bacteria are also present on a dog's coat and paws. When children spend time with dogs, the bacteria enters their digestive tract and has a positive effect on their health.

The Ruminococcus bacteria helps reduce the risk of allergies and the Oscillospira bacteria prevent obesity.

Immunity starts at pregnancy

In addition, this beneficial bacteria can be transmitted indirectly from a mother to a child while the child is still in the womb. This happens when a mother is in frequent contact with a dog.

So, what are you waiting for? Consider adopting a dog!

Source : Microbiome

Originally written by Irène Dousset. Translated by Jennifer Eubank

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