If you are brining home a new addition to the family, then you may have your worries about how the “old additions” will get along with the new.  But, if you have a cat or dog, then should you really be worrying about how your baby will react to the dander in the home?  A recent study suggests that it’s actually a good thing to have pets in the home with children.  But, the decision is ultimately up to you.

When you experience allergies, your body is overreacting to a substance that does not cause problems in other people.  The substance, known as an allergen, triggers symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, ears popping, etc.  If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction, then you can relate to the long list of symptoms.   

Many people believe that when they have an allergic reaction to a pet, they are allergic to the hair or fur of the pet.  This is actually a misconception.  Pets release a protein from the oil glands on their skin.  When the skin flakes off with this protein –you have more than likely heard it called pet dander- then people actually experience an allergic reaction to the protein in the skin flakes.  The protein is also found in the pet’s saliva and urine.  It seems that more people exhibit allergies to cats over dogs; many experts believe that this is because of the grooming tendencies of cats.  The protein from their saliva is passed onto their fur as they lick; thus causing a higher chance of an allergic reaction.

This summer, Columbia University released the findings of a study concluding that children who are exposed to pet dander early on are less likely to develop asthma –asthma often develops as a response to an allergen in the environment.  The researchers did not have one specific explanation for their findings.  Instead, they think that it could possibly be a result of a desensitization process where increased exposure to the allergen causes a less severe reaction over time.  Although their findings pointed to animals as a benefit, they said that the study was inconclusive on whether or not parents should welcome animals into their homes for this reason.

So as a parent, what should you take away from the study?  If you have an animal in your home, then leave it.  There is no reason to get rid of your beloved companion just because you are bringing a new family member into your home.  However, if you are unwilling or unable to take care of the animal because of the new baby, then you should find it a loving home.  Pay close attention to your child.  If allergy symptoms arise, then you may want to have your family doctor administer tests to see if the allergies are, in fact, caused by the pet.  At that point, you may need to reevaluate life with your animal.

On the other hand, you should not rush out and get a pet just because you think it will help deter asthma in your child.  The researchers of the study were against this idea until further research is completed.  Owning a pet is a huge responsibility.  Depending on the type of pet, it can be just like having another child.  If you think you may eventually want to bring home a dog or cat, then wait until you have adjusted to life with a new baby.  Then, if your child has never been around animals, take your child to a place where he or she can be around animals, such as a friend or neighbor’s house.  This is a good way to make sure there are no allergies before you bring home a pet that you can’t keep.

So, cats and dogs can help children be less likely to develop asthma as they grow older?  Sounds a little strange, but researchers at Columbia University proved just that.  However, the researchers cautioned against getting an animal just for that fact, so don’t adopt a pet until you are sure that the whole family is ready.  If you have an animal in your home, don’t get rid of it just because you are bringing home a new baby.  Instead, wait things out and make sure there are no allergic reactions.  With a little patience, you’ll be able to find a happy median!

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com a website featuring pet carriers & dog doors.