10 ways pet dogs can improve your health

If you have cats, gerbils, goldfish or dogs for pets, it probably comes as no surprise to hear that pets improve your health. Cats are cuddly, goldfish are mesmerizing and if you have dogs for pets, you may already realize the many health benefits a simple game of fetch provides. Animals also have an uncanny knack for reading our moods, sensing danger and providing us with a little wet nose nuzzle just when we need it most.

So whether you have snakes, rats, cats, birds or dogs for pets, keep in mind the favor they're doing both your health and your budget (potentially hundreds in prescriptions alone), and reward them with a little extra play time, belly scratching or a couple more of their favorite treats!

Benefits of having dogs for pets

1. Lower blood pressure
2. Reduce stress
3. Lower your risk for heart attacks
4. Lower your risk for strokes
5. Prevent and cure depression
6. Help keep you physically fit
7. Develop fewer allergies
8. Strengthen your immunity to allergies
9. Improve mental health
10. Build stronger bones

_{Dogs for pets source - WebMD: 27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health}