WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Pets and children can do more than make cute pictures.
A new study out of Finland suggests babies who have a cat or dog around in their first year have fewer health problems. Doctors say pets introduce dirt and dander that stimulate a childs immune system. This can make the body better at fighting off infection.
The healthiest children are those with dogs who spend a lot of time outside, according to the study. Researchers think it might be because they track in the most outside dirt.