Research has indicated that individuals who have had a heart attack tend to live longer if they own a pet. It is believed that some individuals who suffer from hypertension can be less stressed when looking into an aquarium. Some medications aren't effective at controlling spikes in high blood pressure from stress and tension. A group of New york stockbrokers who suffer from hypertension and owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and lower blood pressure than those individuals who didn't have a pet. Most of those individuals who were in the non pet group went out and purchased a pet.

Pets are excellent for mood. Research supports that pet ownership can enhance mood. A recent study found that men who suffer from AIDS and didn't own a pet were three times more likely to suffer from depression than those who did own a pet. There are therapy dogs that can be used. They are a variety of dogs used by Therapy Dogs International.

Having a pet can also keep you physically fit. It is known that exercise can help to relieve stress and improve your mood. It is easy to take a dog for a walk whether the dog needs it or you need it. When walking a dog, people perceive you as being more approachable. This is excellent for a socialization, which will help to keep loneliness at bay. When you own a pet, you have a stress reliever who loves you unconditionally. It is obvious that having a pet can help relieve stress.