Do Kids With Pets Have Healthier Immune Systems? Science Says Yes

Yes. Studies show that children who grow up with pets in the home have a healthier immune system and can prevent or reduce their risk of developing asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who grow up with pets have lower levels of cytokines - proteins that promote inflammation, and higher levels of immunoglobin A - an antibody that helps fight infection.

For example, a 2017 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that children who grew up with pets were 15% less likely than children who didn't grow up with pets to develop asthma, and 13% less likely to develop hay fever.

Another study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy in 2019 found that infants exposed to cat and dog dander had a lower risk of respiratory tract infections, including colds, flu, and ear infections.