The act of carrying for an animal can make a person feel needed, while at the same time it makes them feel less anxious about their own health. Animals may prove effective in helping to ward off heart disease as well as minor health problems. The major factor in heart disease is high blood pressure. There is conformation that the simple act of stroking a dog or cat can instantly cause a drop in blood pressure. Stress levels can also be decreased when stroking a pet.
Doctors say that pet owners tend to make fewer visits to the their offices.
In 1992 there was a study of pet owning vs. non-pet owning Australians. Some of the findings include reportedly lower levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in pet owners. This was also found to be true for the blood pressure levels of the pet owners. We all have heard the proverb that a dog is mans best friend, but what if we were to take it a step further by saying that the companionship that animals can bring to a person, can be more rewarding than another human being. They believe that the psychological and physical health benefits of pets are more significant in people who suffer from the AIDS virus.