Study Says Dogs Are Good for Your Health: Do You Prefer Dogs or Cats?

In a study at University of California, San Francisco, researchers found that house dust from homes with dogs helped protect against a common cold strain, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV.) And now scientists are saying this could apply to kids, too, ABC News reports.

RSV can be severe and even fatal in premature and chronically ill infants, and it is associated with increased risk of developing asthma, ABC reports. The new study adds credence to the theory that exposure to animals early in life helps "train" the immune system, and prevent kids from getting asthma. Having a dog has also been linked to better cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety and loneliness and other health benefits. So ... do you prefer dogs? Or cats?