Babies in Dog-Owning Families May Be Healthier

Dogs are no longer just man’s best friend: The furry family members may also protect infants against breathing problems and infections, a new study suggests. Researchers found that Finnish babies who lived with a dog or – to a lesser extent – a cat spent fewer weeks with ear infections, coughs or running noses. They were also less likely to need antibiotics than infants in pet-free homes.