Babies who play with dogs less likely to be sick as one: study

Babies who grow up with dogs might be healthier than their non-canine-owning counterparts, according to a new study that suggests man's best friend can guard infants against breathing problems and infections. And if you think dogs are too filthy to play with your precious child, well, that's kind of the point: Dr. Eija Bergroth from Kuopio University Hospital in Finland theorized that the dirt and allergens brought in by dogs are good for boosting babies' immune systems. Cat people can also revel in the new research: Babies also benefit from being around felines, though to a lesser extent than youngsters who spent time with dogs.