Pets can reduce levels of depression

Some pets offer love and companionship in ways that people can't. Long silences are not awkward, you can tell them any secret and they are good at snuggling up. This all helps to reduce the amount of stress experienced in response to feelings of social isolation, especially during a long illness.

Pets encourage you to exercise

A whining dog can get anyone off of the couch. Dog owners in an urban setting often have no choice but to walk their dog, and because exercise is good for stress management, owning a dog can be credited with increasing activity levels. It could also be the start of a brand new healthy lifestyle!

Pets can help you meet people

People who walk their dogs in the park talk to other dog owners. Cat owners can attend cat shows. Pets can give us a reason to talk to other people, they give us something in common with other pet owners and can make approaching them easier, presenting an opportunity to build on our network of friends and acquaintances. A good social network is good for stress management.

Pets can help protect your children from allergies

Contrary to popular belief, children who grow up in a home that has a pet have less risk of developing allergies or asthma. It's believed that pets bring a certain amount of dirt and bacteria into the home, and it's the exposure to these bacteria that helps to build up a strong immune system in babies.

Pets can help the aged

People suffering from Alzheimer's disease have fewer anxious outbursts if there is a pet in the house. Their caregivers also reported feeling less burdened if there is a pet, especially a cat because it takes less looking after than a dog. Taking care of a dog will also ensure that an elderly owner will get regular exercise and structure to their day.

Source: www.webmd.com