Health Benefits of Having a Pet

It is generally understood that people take care of their pets, but actually pets take care of their people too, albeit indirectly. Studies have shown that people who own pets experience several physical, emotional and mental health benefits. While dogs are the most beneficial for your health, cats, fish and other pets have their advantages as well.

?

If you have a pet already, it is probably because you love him or her, and any improvements in your health are just a bonus. If you don't have a pet, you should consider getting one, because these are some of the health benefits of owning a pet.

?

*Images courtesy: Thinkstock/Getty Images

Lower chances of allergies - This is a surprising one, since people tend to think that pets trigger off allergies and other respiratory conditions like asthma. Actually, children who grow up in homes with furry pets like cats and dogs tend to develop resistance against allergies and asthma at an early age.

Weight loss - Not only can a dog keep you fit, he or she can help you lose weight as well. A study found that people who exercised with dogs tended to lose more weight than people who chose a human companion to exercise with, since dogs are regular about exercise whereas people tend to make excuses to avoid it. Also, the people with dogs tended to walk much faster than the people without them, helping them lose weight much faster.?

Faster recovery - Pets help their owners recover from illnesses faster, and pet owners who have survived heart attacks tend to live longer than people who don¡¯t have pets. People struggling with serious illnesses like cancer tend to fight it harder, because having to take care of a pet motivates them to take care of themselves.

?

Source: Health Me Up

Also see:?14 Amazing Teas for Weight Loss