5 Ways Owning a Pet Can Improve Your Health

In addition to diet and exercise, owning a pet can contribute to a healthy lifestyle!  Here are 5 ways that having a pet can be a beneficial addition to your home:

1. Improves Fitness- Having the responsibility of walking the dog or playing with the cat increases physical activity among the family and improves overall fitness
2. Reduces Risk of Allergies- Studies have shown that early exposure to pets can desensitize and stabilize the immune system’s reaction to allergens
3. Improves your Social Life- Taking your dog to the park or joining community pet groups is a great way to meet people and make friends
4. Lowers Blood Pressure- The act of petting a dog or snuggling with a cat can reduce stress and consequently lower blood pressure
5. Improves Overall Mood- Coming home to a furry friend who is an unconditional source of love can lift your spirits after a rough day at the office and reduce the risk of depression

Source: www.webmd.com