Did you know that if you have a healthy pet in your life, the presence of that animal may actually help to improve your own health? Studies show that people who have a cat, dog, or another animal friend in their life often have better overall health than those who don’t. Pets are natural mood enhancers, so having an animal close by can help to de-stress you and relax. Psychologists say you don’t have to have a smiley Golden Retriever to improve your mood. For some people, just watching a fish swim around in his bowl, or petting your cat can be soothing and enlighten your life. The level of cortisol in your system will be lowered, which will in turn diminish you stress level. As well, your body will produce more serotonin as you spend time with your pet, which will help you to avoid the symptoms that can come with anxiety.

In addition to this, pets can help you to fight depression. Many times doctors will even suggest that their patients get a dog or cat if they are feeling undervalued or unloved. This is because pets are unconditional friends and will listen to you and care for you no matter what. If things get frustrating, you can spend time with your loyal friend to get back in the swing of things. Many mental counselors even recommend a dog when they are doing therapy. Having a pet in the office when therapy is in session can make people more comfortable and agreeable. Dogs also promote physical fitness because they need to be walked on a regular basis.

Getting out in the sun with your pet can significantly improve your health. Doctors suggest that their patients exercise at least 30 minutes a day, so taking your dog out could be the perfect way to accomplish this goal. Pets can also help to keep your blood pressure in check. While you can’t regulate your blood pressure adequately without the proper diet and exercise, studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and heart rates during rest period than those who don’t have an animal. Children who have hypertension can lower their blood pressure by spending time petting a pooch.

Interestingly enough, dogs and cats may also be able to help lower your cholesterol. You will still need to follow your doctor’s orders in order to succeed in lowering this, but pets make it easier to avoid the dangers. This is because people with animals often have lower levels or triglycerides in their bodies than those who don’t. One in every three dogs has a special ability to detect the changing chemical levels in their owner’s body when he or she is about to have a sudden drop in blood glucose. Preceding the change, the body gives off a scent that is only detectable to dogs and other animals. Some pets can warn their owner that these sudden drop is imminent, so that they owner can eat a snack and avoid feeling sick or woozy.

Cats and dogs are also good for your heart. The men and women who have never owned a pet are 40 percent more likely to die of a heart attack than those who have, and dog owners happen to have a better survival rate of heart attacks. Those who have cats have fewer strokes than those who have never owned a feline. While this statistic has been proven many people are confused as to why this is the case. Some say it is the personality of a cat owner, while others say that it is the calming effect that animals have on the body. Animals also allow their owners to have more interaction and less isolation. This is because pet owners will often talk with others that they meet that own animals, and will make friends on their walks. This social aspect of animal owning can be vital to helping people to avoid mental frustration and conditions.

Babies that are exposed to animals at an early age often have fewer allergies and better immunity as they grow up. Somehow, owning pets can boost the immune system and aide a child in growing up stronger and healthier than if no animal’s had been present. Also, having cats in the home when an infant is growing can often reduce that child’s potential to develop asthma in the future. This excludes infants whose mothers have a cat allergy. These children are three times more likely to develop animal allergies as they age, and they shouldn’t be exposed to felines if there is a risk of an allergic attack.