Ask the Doctors: Can a pet dog in childhood protect against developing schizophrenia later in life?

Childhood pets are an early source of exposure to a range of harmless microbes as well as to potential allergens. Researchers are learning that via the gut microbiome, such exposure might have a positive effect on some children’s immune systems. (stock.adobe.com)

Dear Doctors: My wife read that, when kids grow up with a dog in the house, it can keep them from getting schizophrenia. Is this based on psychology?

Dear Reader: Your wife is referring to a study several years ago that found a link between living with a dog in very early childhood and a reduced risk of schizophrenia later.