According to The Herald Sun, kids who grow up with dogs in the house may get a boost to their immune systems.

The paper reported that “Joachim Heinrich of the Institute of Epidemiology at the Heimholtz Centre in Munich, Germany, led an investigation into more than 3000 children, whose health was closely monitored from birth to the age of six.

Blood tests showed that children in households with dogs were less at risk from becoming sensitised to pollens and inhaled allergens - the triggers for asthma and wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema - than their counterparts in dog-free homes.”

Another good reason to give a cheer for our furry friends!