One aspect of pet ownership that has gotten more attention lately is the health benefits of having a pet.  Pets have long been used for therapeutic benefits, but studies have shown that those with animal companions tend to be healthier and tend to survive major illnesses more readily than those without pets.  Even the simple act of watching fish swim in an aquarium can help lower blood pressure and reduce tension.  While bringing a new pet into your home is still a major decision and shouldn't be taken lightly, the benefits of doing so can be substantial.

One way pets help keep you healthy and reduce stress levels is through exercise.  Dogs, especially, need outdoor time; this requires you to get up off the sofa and join them.  This regular exercise can help increase your fitness and cardiac health, as well as burn calories and help you maintain an active lifestyle.  And having a companion to walk with helps encourage those who don't get enough exercise to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a more regular basis.

One interesting aspect of pet ownership and health benefits is the reduction in blood pressure that simply holding and petting an animal causes.  Studies have shown this simple activity tends to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, in many cases more effectively than hypertension medication.  The relaxation caused by interaction with a pet can also help recovery from illness; studies have shown that patients who have undergone cardiac episodes showed a much greater survival rate a year after the fact if they had a pet to care for during that time.