There are many health benefits of owning a dog or a loving pet. Having a dog increases opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet.

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets is linked to several health benefits, including:

Decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities; better cognitive function in older adults; and more opportunities to socialize

Whether you are playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after your pet, it is important to wash your hands to help reduce the risk of getting sick from germs pets can carry. If you or a family member are concerned about illness, talk to a doctor and mention the animals you’ve had contact with recently. benefits of owning a dog, health benefits of owning a dog, benefits of owning a pet, benefits of having a dog, benefits of having a dog

Always wash hands:

After touching or playing with your pet
After feeding your pet or handling pet food
After handling pet habitats or equipment (cages, tanks, toys, food and water dishes, etc.)
After cleaning up after pets
After leaving areas where animals live (coops, barns, stalls, etc.), even if you did not touch an animal
Before eating and drinking
Before preparing food or drinks
After removing soiled clothes or shoes

Running water and soap are best for hand washing, but you can use hand sanitizer until running water and soap are available. Adults should always assist young children with hand washing.