Abstract
Background: The keeping of pets is a common practice both nationally and internationally. Many children are exposed to pets from a very young age. Evidence in relation to their role in childhood morbidity is ambiguous. Little Irish data exists on pet demographics and the epidemiology of pet-related illnesses in children.
Aims: Our aims were to research pet demographics in Ireland, to explore the relationship between pets and childhood illnesses and to learn more about Irish parents' attitudes to pets and disease.
Methods: A literature review was carried out on the association between pets and disease in childhood. A random selection of 500 parents and children attending a Paediatric Hospital during February and March 2010 were interviewed in order to ascertain pet ownership status, associated problems and beliefs regarding risks and benefits.
Results: At present, conflicting evidence exists regarding the association of common household pets and atopy. Of the 500 households surveyed 49% owned a pet and 52% of these had multiple pets. Dogs and cats were the most popular pets among our study group but a wide range of animals were noted. One fifth of pet owners had experienced morbidity as a result of their pet.
Conclusion: The overall impression conveyed that Irish parents who had been pet owners in childhood were strong advocates of the psychological advantages of pets. The effort involved in caring for a pet rather than risk of illness was cited as the main deterrent by those who declined pet ownership.
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Warren, M., Fitzgerald, C., Nolan, J. et al. 1420 Should My Child Have a Pet?. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 702 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01420
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01420