Animals play a key part in many people's lives. Ask any pet owner, and you'll get an ear-full about how animals provide support, camaraderie, and unconditional love. And for people who are ill, a pet may be there for support and companionship when no one else is. Studies have shown that pets can help improve overall health by providing comfort and support. Elderly people who own pets have been reported to make fewer visits to their physician than do non-pet owners.
Pets appear to help lower blood pressure and make people happier.
When a person's immune system isn't as strong as it could be, there is a very small possibility that a disease could be transmitted from a pet. A disease that can be passed from an animal to a human is called a zoonosis. However, a healthy pet is an unlikely source of disease. Though the risk of catching a disease from a pet is small, keeping your pet healthy and practicing good hygiene can reduce it even further. Ask your veterinarian about special precautions you should take when selecting a new pet, and which pets are most appropriate.