How your dog can protect you before you're born

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Herein we explain how pets can help your immune system, beginning when you're in utero!
Created by Henry Reich
Animation: Ever Salazar
Production and Writing Team: Alex Reich, Peter Reich, Emily Elert
Music: Nathaniel Schroeder:
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References
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Bisgaard, H., Li, N., Bonnelykke, K., Chawes, B. L. K., Skov, T., Paludan-Müller, G., ... & Krogfelt, K. A. (2011). Reduced diversity of the intestinal microbiota during infancy is associated with increased risk of allergic disease at school age. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 128(3), 646-652.
Fujimura, K. E., Johnson, C. C., Ownby, D. R., Cox, M. J., Brodie, E. L., Havstad, S. L., ... & Lynch, S. V. (2010). Man's best friend? The effect of pet ownership on house dust microbial communities. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 126(2), 410.
Gergen, P. J., Arbes Jr, S. J., Calatroni, A., Mitchell, H. E., & Zeldin, D. C. (2009). Total IgE levels and asthma prevalence in the US population: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 124(3), 447-453.
Havstad, S., Wegienka, G., Zoratti, E. M., Lynch, S. V., Boushey, H. A., Nicholas, C., ... & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Effect of prenatal indoor pet exposure on the trajectory of total IgE levels in early childhood. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 128(4), 880-885.
Jakobsson, H. E., Abrahamsson, T. R., Jenmalm, M. C., Harris, K., Quince, C., Jernberg, C., ... & Andersson, A. F. (2013). Decreased gut microbiota diversity, delayed Bacteroidetes colonisation and reduced Th1 responses in infants delivered by Caesarean section. Gut.
Joseph, C. L., Ownby, D. R., Havstad, S. L., Woodcroft, K. J., Wegienka, G., MacKechnie, H., ... & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Early complementary feeding and risk of food sensitization in a birth cohort. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(5), 1203-1210.
McNeill, G., Tagiyeva, N., Aucott, L., Russell, G., & Helms, P. J. (2009). Changes in the prevalence of asthma, eczema and hay fever in pre‐pubertal children: a 40‐year perspective. Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology, 23(6), 506-512.
Smallwood, J., & Ownby, D. (2012). Exposure to dog allergens and subsequent allergic sensitization: an updated review. Current allergy and asthma reports,12(5), 424-428.
Images
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