As anyone who has ever loved a companion animal can tell you, pets make people feel good. In the past, however, there was no scientific evidence to back this up. Well now there is. Studies done in the last decade have proven that owning pets can be beneficial to human health in many ways.

According to the recent studies owning pets can lower people’s blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as provide opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.

There are other benefits as well. A 2002 study released by the American Medical Association stated that children raised from birth in multiple pet households may be less likely to develop allergic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies and eczema. Apparently, being exposed to the “germs” of dogs and cats early in life helps build the immune system.

What do you think as a Vet or a Pet owner?