A dose-response association in the increased prevalence of asthma due to the interaction between pet exposure and the number of dogs and cats in contact with children.

BACKGROUND

The role of exposure to dogs or cats in the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between exposure to dogs or cats and the prevalence of allergic diseases in children.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Parents of children attending childcare centers completed an online survey. Children were categorized by age (<5 years and ≥5 years). Exposure to dogs or cats was classified as never, only during the first year of life, only in the previous year, or prolonged exposure (first year and previous year). Logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 525 children were included (51.4% aged ≥5 years, 33% born via cesarean section, 65.9% not breast-fed, and 7.2% never breast-fed). Exposure to dogs and cats was reported in 70.7% and 25.5% of cases, respectively. The prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were 4.8%, 19.8%, and 12.4%, respectively. In children aged ≥5 years, prolonged exposure to dogs was associated with asthma (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 10.04; P = 0.040) but not with allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. Contact with more than one dog and more than one cat showed a strong significant association with asthma (aOR 23.7; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a dose-response association due to the interaction between prolonged exposure to dogs and cats and the increased prevalence of asthma in children. © 2026 Codon Publications. Published by Codon Publications.