Does keeping a pet cause asthma

asks H Gray:
A. Pets are generally good for you - and not because fierce dogs make you seem tougher. Research has shown that people with pets have fewer minor illnesses, and that being around a friendly animal can improve your mental health, lower your blood pressure and even increase your chances of long-term recovery from a heart attack.

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Q. What about the asthma
A. There have been two US studies on the subject this year. In March, one team of researchers declared that a household pet is one of the factors which more than doubles the chance of children developing asthma. By clearing these factors (tobacco smoke, dust mites, cockroaches and pets) out of the house, they claimed, the asthma rates for children aged six to 17 were cut almost in half. However, the newest research suggests that having a cat or dog can make babies less likely to develop asthma or allergies.

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Q. How did they work that out
A. The scientists studied 833 children from birth to seven years, and they found that those with two or more furry friends were half as likely to react to allergens. In fact, some of the boys with pets had better lung function than those who didn't.

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Q. So they're saying that all that pet fluff and what-not they leave all over the place isn't harmful
A. Well, it doesn't do your sofa much good, that's for sure. The researchers believe that exposing children to cats and dogs so early in their lives affects how their immune system develops. The result is that they have a lower risk of developing allergies and diseases associated with them, such as asthma.

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Q. So we should just chuck the pets in the playpen with the babies
A. Not quite. Whichever bunch of researchers you choose to believe, there are a couple of health risks that come with pets. Although it's pretty rare, children can catch infections or get parasites from animals. However, looking after your pets properly, together with a reasonable degree of hygiene, should be enough to avoid that.

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Q. What rules should people follow
A. For a start, pregnant women should always avoid pet faeces and litter trays because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, which can damage an unborn child.� Also...

• Everyone should wash their hands after touching animals.
• Don't let dogs lick children's faces.
• De-flea and de-worm pets regularly - for more information on this, see the RSPCA's website for advice.
• Be wary of animals you don't know or exotic pets - lizards especially carry salmonella.
• Get medical attention for an animal bite.
• Take extra care on farm trips.

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By Sheena Miller