How pets can affect your health

Pet owners know that animal friends can enrich life, offering us company, stress relief, and encouragement to stay active and engaged. “There are many aspects of mental health, social health, and well-being which pets promote for humans,” says veterinarian Satesh Bidaisee, DVM, EdD, a professor of public health and preventive medicine at St. George’s University. “Having pets and petting animals has been proven to reduce blood pressure, provide social stimulus, and reduce depression, especially in the elderly. There’s a lot of value in pet ownership.” Still, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your health, and risks you should be aware of.