Animals make us feel good.  No pet owner needs to be told this.  But we're talking about more than just feeling glad they're around.  Your favorite animal can actually make you healthy and help you stay that way.  You may be suprised at just how many ways a pet can improve your health.  I was!

1. Physical Fitness- In general, dog owners are more physically fit and less obese than those without dogs.  Funny how we seem to understand that dogs need exercise, but we don't give ourselves the same consideration sometimes! This is a win-win situation.

2.- Mood Enhancers- The most natural mood enhancer in the world, aside from physical activity comes from spending time with a dog or cat or even watching fish swim.  Physical changes include lower cortisol and increased seratonin, both associated with a sense of well-being.

3. Lowers blood pressure- One study looked at 240 married couples and measured heart rates and blood pressure during cardiac stress tests.  The pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rates at rest compared to non-pet owners.

4. Lowers risky of dying- Peope with pets actually have less risk of dying of cardiac disease and strokes.

5. Decreases Depression- Petting an animals has been shown to have a calming effect.

6. Improved Immunity- Some studies have shown that when children grow up with a dog or cat they less likely to develop allergies.

7. Helps Arthritis- People are given the recommendation to stretch whenever they see their cat stretching to keep their joints lubricated.  What a concept!

8. Helps with ADHD- Playing with pets allows for better sleep and they bond in an unconditional way to the child learns self-esteem.

9. Therapy- Dogs are great therapy!

10. Date Magnets- Dogs are great for making connections.  It can help people ease out of social isolation or shyness.