Did you know that having a pet can improve the over all quality of your health? Trying to balance work and a social life may already be tough for some-throwing in a healthy life style may be difficult to juggle for many people. What if I told you that you can have a friend that is there for you whenever you need them, but also have many health benefits as well? We all love our pets for multiple reasons, one reason we can be especially thankful for is the health benefits we gain from our furry little friends. Adopting a new buddy can create a healthy lifestyle for you both physically and emotionally.

The physical health aspects of adopting a new pet into your life can be found mainly in a dog. Taking a dog for daily walks, hikes or a run are fun and rewarding ways to get daily exercise into your schedule. Another physical health benefit is that people with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months. Along with lower blood pressure, pet owners have lower cholesterol levels, where heart attack patients live longer than those without.

Having a pet has many benefits to your emotional health as well.  A pet companion can help prevent illness as playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin, which help you to be more calm and relaxed. These newly adopted friends of yours can even make it easier meeting new people, being a natural ice breaker to start conversation. Research indicates that walking with a dog leads to more conversations with neighbors, other dog owners, and helps you stay socially connected. This leads to a more fulfilled and happier life.

We can't forget about our furry little friends that like to purr, as they also help with improve your health. When exposed to cat fur in the house, it results in increased resistance to allergens, along with decreasing risk for asthma. Even though cats are often known for their independence, the bond formed between a cat and its owner reinforce companionship. Owning a cat also leads to a natural conversation starter similar to dogs. 

The benefits of having a pet go way beyond the friendships you make with them, and they deserve a big treat for the physical and emotional benefits you receive. You can always lean on your furry best friends for support, they are a true friend that really is a part of the family.