Many new parents are concerned about childhood allergies and many people believe they cannot own a dog or cat if they have asthma or allergies, but recent medical research has suggested that babies born into pet owning families may have a reduced risk for developing asthma.

Another study suggests that children who are exposed to two or more cats and dogs in their first year of life also have a reduced risk of allergy.

In boys only, it was found that having two or more pets was linked to better lung function.

Also, not all people with allergies necessarily have a reaction to dogs or cats, and some people may be allergic to dogs and not cats, or vice versa.

If you are an asthmatic it is not advisable to acquire a dog or cat if you have not owned one before without speaking to your doctor.

Most people who react to dogs and cats are allergic to the dander — the dead skin cells shed by the animal — rather than the hair. All breeds of dogs and cats shed dander. Other people react to a protein in the animal's saliva and this is more likely to cause problems to cat owners, as cats self-groom by licking their fur.

Research has shown that if a cat or dog is washed once a week the airborne allergens are cut dramatically. The person with the allergy should not bathe or groom the pet – better to leave this to another family member or to send the pet to a groomer. It is important that the pet is groomed outside the house to prevent the spread of the allergens.

The amount of allergen in the home can he reduced by keeping the pet on hard surface flooring and regularly vacuuming furniture and floors. Vacuum cleaners with filters are best as research has shown that vacuum cleaners can stir the dander up in the air. Dogs and cats should not spend any time in the allergic person's bedroom.

Some people believe that there are breeds of dog or cat which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in their owners but this is not always the case.Poodles, Bichon Frise and Bedlington Terriers have a wool-like coat which does not shed hair but will still shed dander, the major cause of allergies to dogs. Those considering purchasing one of these breeds because of its coat type should carefully consider the other requirements of the dog — such as the added expense created by the dog's need to be clipped on a regular basis. These breeds also require close human companionship and are not suitable for owners who want a dog which will spend the majority of its time alone or outside.

Crossing the Poodle, Bichon Frise and Bedlington Terrier with other breeds does not guarantee that all, or any, puppies in the litter will have the non- shedding coat. If you wish to be sure that the pup you purchase will have the coat type you require then it is best to buy a purebred. The Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cat breeds also have a nonshedding coat but they require owners prepared to keep the cat mainly indoors.

Some people are allergic to new dogs or cats. This kind of allergy means that it may diminish with repeated exposure. In other words, you may not be allergic to dogs and/or cats that you are exposed to regularly.

An allergy specialist can test for the things you are allergic to, and then give you periodic injections to help develop an immunity.

The companionship of a dog or cat has many benefits for both children and adults and it is sad to deny ourselves these benefits without considering all the options. However, if you suspect a family member may have an allergy to a pet then seek a medical opinion before purchase. It can be heartbreaking to have to part with a loved pet because of a family member's allergies.

Author: Petcare Information & Advisory Service Australia Pty Ltd