Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Owning a pet such as a dog or cat can improve your health and help keep it that way. There have been many studies documenting both the medical and psychological benefits of pet ownership. In addition to the obvious benefit of walking your dog which provides exercise for both of you, there are many other benefits.

Some studies show that children raised in households with pets have noticeably lower incidences of allergies and asthma. Being around pets may actually boost your immune system, according to other findings. Similarly, pet ownership can help reduce stress, which can also have a positive effect on your immune system. Playing with you pet can elevate the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your system. Both of these neurotransmitters play a role in the body's natural promotion of feelings of pleasure and calm.

There are many reasons we own pets, these are but a few of the health benefits we can obtain by bringing pets into our homes. And then there is the licking and purring.