Recent studies conducted by scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) indicate that children raised in homes with dogs experience better health outcomes. This was attributed to the introduction of various microbes by the dogs, which can bolster children's immune systems and potentially lower the risk of allergies. The presence of a family dog brings a unique microbiome into the household that contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

In a controlled experiment, EPFL researchers analyzed the differences between large and small dog breeds to understand their impact on indoor air composition. In their environmental chamber tests, large dogs were found to exhale carbon dioxide at levels comparable to adult humans and to emit significant amounts of ammonia. However, the most notable finding was the increase in particle levels brought into the home, challenging assumptions about indoor air quality in environments inhabited by pets.

The implications of this study highlight the benefits of pet ownership, particularly during childhood, as the microbes introduced by dogs could be an integral factor in the development of a robust immune system. As allergies become increasingly prevalent, understanding the role of household pets in shaping health outcomes could influence public health recommendations regarding pet ownership in families with children.