Benefits of pets for the immune system of babies and children
If you are a woman and at some point you have become pregnant, and you also have a dog or kitten at home, it is quite likely that someone asked you the question, that question that surely irritated and angered you on more than one occasion: And what are you going to do with the dog or the cat?. "Eat it" (possibly you thought). And is that ignorance, and unfortunately the false myths that exist around babies and pets, sometimes almost seem an insult.
It is usually thought-wrongly, I repeat again-that from the moment a woman becomes pregnant she must make all animals or living living beings disappear from her home (and no, I do not mean the couple). More so from the moment the baby comes home, as if the pet were just an element of company, an object that can be removed and disposed of as an electronic device that no longer works, that has no feelings and that will not surprise you .
Unfortunately, the doctor's word also has a lot to do in these cases, especially when they have the intelligent idea of recommending or suggesting to the future mom and dad that they get rid of the dog or the cat, arguing that they can be harmful for the newborn .
A good example is pregnancy, the cat and toxoplasmosis. It is usually thought that the cat should be removed from home from the moment you get pregnant, because it transmits toxoplasmosis. While it is true that it is one of the animals that can transmit it to humans, did you know that for that to be really so, you would have to pass your poop by your mouth? (or not so literal, but you should have accidentally touched your stool, not washed your hands properly, and pass them through your mouth, nose or any food that you have eaten without realizing it). In fact, did you know that you are more likely to get infected by toxoplasmosis if you handle contaminated meat, or eat salads whose vegetables have not been washed properly?
The benefits of pets for the immune system of the baby and the child
Some scientific studies have found that the presence at home of cats and dogs reduce the possibility that babies and children get sick.
They help in a very positive way in that the little ones need to take less medication, have less risk of allergies, have less respiratory problems and suffer less otitis. In addition, it is known that children with pets tend to sneeze and cough less during their first year of life, while they usually catch less cold.
What are the reasons why children with pets are more protected?
In view of the results of the investigations that have been carried out over the years, scientists concluded that children with pets have a stronger and more effective immune system because the dog or the cat brings home a good number of microorganisms (dirt and bacteria), so the small strengthens your immune system, grows stronger and more protected.
That is to say, the presence of dogs and cats at home strengthens the baby's and child's defense system, reducing the risk of suffering from infectious diseases.
Image | thefixer This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Pediatrician. We advise you to consult your trusted pediatrician.
