Can Having a Dog Make Kids Less Likely to Develop Asthma?

Can Having a Dog Make Kids Less Likely to Develop Asthma? (0:30)

Growing up around a friendly furry face is fun for children -- and it can have a surprising pay-off when it comes to a common disease. Watch this video to learn why Dr. Robin Miller believes many patients could benefit from a prescription.

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Next question, is there more asthma in kids who were raised with dogs? Absolutely not. There's actually less asthma. Scientists think that the microbes associated with dog dust may take up residence in the gut and boost children's immune system so that they're resistant to the viruses that cause asthma.

Now are there other diseases that might benefit from pet? Absolutely. High blood pressure, depression. Pets are great, dogs are wonderful. I'm not a cat person, but dogs are great. I'm going to pretend you didn't say that.