More than friends

Besides offering good company and genuine love, pets also provide their human partners a number of health benefits. Our furry companions offer the following:

Allergy defense: Studies show that kids who grow up with dogs, cats or large farm animals have less risk of suffering allergies and asthma.

Heart health: Those who've suffered heart attacks and live with pets survive longer than heart attack survivors without pets. Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease—lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels—than men without pets. Animal companions also help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety.

Body chemicals: Playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are nerve transmitters that have pleasurable and calming properties.

Source: WebMD.com