If you have a pet in your home, you belong to the 62% of all US households. It’s true, well over half of the US households share their space with a pet companion. Studies have shown that sharing your life and home with a four legged companion reduces stress, aids in happiness, and provides a life time of smiles and laughs. In fact, for nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates.

“Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home,” says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Continue reading →