If you don’t own a pet, maybe you should get one. A pet offers a whole bunch of health benefits to you:
- Buffer stress
- Lower heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Give social support
- Help you stay in shape
- Prevent certain sicknesses
And to your children:
- Cognitive stimulation
- Improved behavior in children
- Heightened understanding of others
- Increased immunity
- Lower anxiety levels
You can read why pet ownership gives you these benefits by reading this Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center’s short article Health Benefits of Pet Ownership.
By the way, Feb. 20 is National Love Your Pet Day. So, love your pet…or get one.
![](https://previews.123rf.com/images/isselee/isselee1211/isselee121100004/16485216-group-of-pets-with-dog-cat-rabbit-ferret-fish-frog-rat-bird-guinea-pig-reptile-snake-against-white-b.jpg)