CAPS: Can pets help protect children from allergies?

Dear Readers, it always astonishes me how much a pet can positively affect the lives of its family. I just read a fascinating study out of Japan that concluded exposure to dogs or cats during fetal development or early infancy reduces the incident of food allergies.

The study analyzed data from 65,000 children. According to the research, different pets appear to offer different protections. Children exposed to cats were less likely to become allergic to eggs, wheat, and soybeans. For those who lived with dogs, it was milk, eggs, and nuts.

Apparently, the theory is that pet exposure strengthens the infant’s microbiome (bacteria in the gut). Research shows infants from families with dogs have higher levels of two types of gut microbes that are associated with lower risks of obesity.

Babies exposed to dirt and bacteria from dog fur or paws have the opportunity to develop better gut microbiomes. Amazingly, the exposure can happen during the prenatal period or during the first three months of the infant’s life.

Other studies affirm babies in homes with dogs catch fewer colds, get fewer ear infections, and need fewer antibiotics in the first year of life than babies raised in pet-free homes. The findings suggest that having a dog in the home has a protective effect against respiratory tract infections and may lead to better resistance.

Dogs can also provide a powerful sensory experience for babies, both visual and tactile. Watching a fast moving tail or petting soft fur is stimulating for infants. In fact, following a big furry friend helps infants explore more of their environment.

The biggest bonus is that the interaction between people and their dogs’ increases levels of oxytocin, which is the feel good hormone. Just gazing into a dog’s eyes can stimulate a relaxed warm feeling of wellness.

May is National Pet Month, and we salute the pets who enrich our lives!

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome male puppies six and 10 months old. Check them out; they are cute!

Would you like to foster animals? Puppy and kitten season is rapidly approaching and we need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details

IN NEED OF

• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• The Oasis Church for allowing CAPS to have the garage sale. Kindness never fails!

• The volunteers who facilitated the garage sale. Pooch Smooches to you!

• All the folks who attended the CAPS spring garage sale. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

• The folks who donated treasures for the garage sale. All tails are wagging for you!

• John Friedrich for picking up garage sale items and the ongoing aluminum can pick up. Paws applause to you!

• Ken Wylie for his expertise and help with moving items. Bow-wow to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

Coming soon! Bark in the Park is June 3. Mark your calendars.

DON’T FORGET

• You can make a big difference in homeless animals’ lives by paying for part of their adoption fee. All of our animals are healthy, spay/neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. We rely on you to help make our no-kill shelter a viable alternative for stranded pets.

• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.