Dogs and snoring? Here's the flip side of that story

August 25, 3:36 PMPet ExaminerCathy M. Rosenthal

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  If babies have allergies or are genetically-prone to
  allergies, getting a dog won't help. But for other kids, 
  dogs may actually protect them from developing
  airborne allergies later in life.

In a study published in Respiratory Research, scientists said infants exposed to dogs early in life could contribute to those kids becoming snorers as adults. But the study also said frequent respiratory and ear infections in kids under two, and large families with five or more could also contribute to snoring later in life.

So before parents panic and get rid of their extra kids and dogs, here's the flip side to that story that will give dog lovers something to brag about. 

If children are predisposed genetically to allergies, getting a dog won't help. But for other kids, exposure to dogs early in life may actually reduce snoring and protect them from developing airborne allergies altogether. And here are four studies that back up that claim.

In an article a few years ago in Respiratory Research, another study revealed: "Passive smoking increases the risk of snoring in children but pet ownership may decrease the risk." 

Researchers at the University of Manchester in Manchester, England, revealed endotoxins, a protein released from dogs, may actually steer a child’s immune system away from potential allergic reactions.

At the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, researchers reported that exposure to multiple dogs may “reduce an infants risk for developing wheezing in the first year of life.”

At the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, researchers said “exposure to two or more dogs may reduce subsequent risk of allergic sensitization to multiple allergens during childhood.”

So it would seem in some instances, two dogs might actually be better than one -- or none.

In other news: No studies yet on why dogs snore. Large families, perhaps?