Babies with a dog in the home have an advantage over dogless tots....

Stuffed animals are nice – but a real live dog could be even better for your baby...  

New research suggests that infants who live with a dog are generally healthier with fewer ear infections and respiratory issues. They even use fewer antibiotics than babies without dogs.

The authors of the study explain that having a dog in the home could actually boost your child’s immune system – especially if that dog spends a lot of time outside. They theorize that babies with a dog around are gradually introduced to the elements of the outside world, such as dirt, pollen and bacteria that hitch a ride inside on the dog’s fur.

Owning a cat had some baby benefits too – but not as significant as the protection of a dog.