A dog could be a baby's best friend, according to a study published in a medical journal.　Infants living in households with dogs were healthier and had fewer ear infections than　those without a dog, the study found. Researchers also found that cats appeared to offer　some protection, but the link wasn't as strong. The study, posted online Monday and　based on 397 children who lived in rural and suburban parts of Finland, examined whether　contact with dogs and cats during a baby's first year offers any protection from colds and　resulting common ear infections.

　　“The children having dogs at home were healthier, they had less ear infections and they　needed less antibiotics( 抗生素 ), ”said Eija Bergroth, the study's lead author. One　measure showed children with dogs were reported as being healthy for about 73 percent　of the time, based on weekly questionnaires, compared with about 65 percent of children　with no dog contact at home.

　　While the study tracked just under 400 babies, the researchers　said the results were　statistically significant because it relied on weekly questionnaires filled out by parents. Dr.　Bergroth explained that children who lived in households where dogs spent 18 or more　hours a day outside, showed the　most healthy days, fewer fevers and　the least use of　antibiotics compared with babies with no dog at home. One theory is dogs that spend a lot of time outside likely bring more dirt and bacteria inside the home compared with dogs　and cats that spend more time indoors, she said. Researchers believe that exposure to　dirt and bacteria builds up babies' immune systems.

　　Earlier studies　using smaller samples　of children have　shown conflicting results on the　impact of animal exposure on infections and allergies (过敏症 ), though a study funded by　the National Institutes of Health showed children exposed to two or more dogs or cats in　their first year had lower chances of later developing all kinds of allergies than children　exposed to one or no pets.

　　6)

　　Which of following is true according to the study published in a medical journal?

　　A. There is a strong link between infants living with dogs and their health conditions.

　　B. Infants living with dogs in suburban areas are healthier than those living in rural areas.

　　C. Infants living in households with cats are healthier than those with dogs.

　　D. Living with pets can prevent infants from colds and ear infections.

　　7)

　　How did the researchers explain the findings of their study?

　　A. Infants that spend a lot of time with dogs don’t need to use antibiotics.

　　B. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside help enhance infants’immune systems.

　　C. Dogs and cats that spend much time indoors help build up babies’immune system.

　　D. The outdoor exposure of infants to dirt and bacteria is helpful to their health.

　　8)What might be the possible reason that the earlier studies have shown conflicting results?

　　A. They were only using samples of dogs.

　　B. They were using samples not big　enough.

　　C.　They were studying　children ’s exposure to more than two dogs or　cats.

　　D. They had lower chances of studying allergies of children exposed to one or nopets.

　　9)

　　What can be inferred from the passage?

　　A. We should keep more dogs indoors for children.

　　B. We should not use antibiotics for children.

　　C. The more time dogs spend outside, the better they can protect children’s health.

　　D. The samples of the study are big enough to cover children in both rural and urban　areas.

　　10)

　　What is the best title for the passage?

　　A. Keep Dogs in Households.

　　B. Dogs and Health of Children.

　　C. Exposure to Dirt and Bacteria Better than Antibiotics.

　　D. Pets: Children ’s Best Friends

　　参考答案：

　　6) A 7) B 8) B 9) C 10) B