CBS 3 Pet Project: Health Benefits Of Having A Pet
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Having a pet is fun but did you know there are also numerous health benefits associated with owning a dog?
Dogs, like humans need daily exercise so having to walk your dog around the neighborhood should give you more motivation to get moving yourself.
Experts say this is especially true if you are recovering from something major like a heart attack. Studies show that people who have had heart attacks, specifically men who are recovering from them, do better if there's a dog in their household.
And while petting may help Jerry or Spot settle down, it can also help soothe the "petter" and may even decrease their blood pressure or heart rate.
Having a pet can also help with mental health because dogs and sometimes cats can help people be more social with their neighbors who will likely gravitate towards your furry, four-legged friend.
Click here for more information and to see a list of adoptable animals at the PSPCA.