Some pets may be just what the doctor ordered to help you stay healthy. As many of us know , pets are able to brighten you up on some of the worst days when you see them coming home from work or school. Just seeing your pet for 15 to 30 minutes a day can reduce the level of coristol (a hormone associated with stress.) Owning a pet like a dog for instance can also increase your physical activity when you take them on walks. By taking your dog for a walks that total around 30 minutes a day you can meet the minimum recommendation for physical activity. Another benefit of walking a dog includes meeting different emotional health factors like interaction with other people walking their dogs which will reduce isolation and depression. I don't want to make this article seem like it's all about dogs either. In a 20 year study study people who owned cats were noted to be 60 percent less likely to die of a heart attack and owners were also linked to fewer strokes because of the calming effects a cat can have on their owners. Cats can also prevent asthma. Kids who grew up in hosueholds with cats were significantly less likely to develop asthma. Sure, pets take a lot of responsibility but if you ask me I'd say a lot of these rewards outweigh the little things that may bother you when owning a pet.
