“A dog is man's best friend” goes much deeper than the phrase might initially imply. Recently many medical journals have started to identify with the many and varied benefits of owning pets. Humans have always relied on animals for work, transportation and survival. With the changing times, man began to appreciate a different bond with animals. Gone are the days when animals ran free outside the farm, now animals are allowed inside and are considered by many to be an integral part of our daily lives! Medical studies have found that animals have a much higher level of intelligence than initially thought. Through proper training and experience, animals are not only pets, but are also becoming an accepted form of medical treatment. Owning a pet can have many physical and mental health benefits. Medical studies show that having a pet leads to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. Pets play a role in cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and encourage psychosocial stability in owners, which further reduces the risk of heart disease. In the fast-paced, fast-paced world we live in today, pets are actually saving our lives. Pets provide an excuse to be active, dogs live an active lifestyle, they want to play and run outside. By making us more active and improving our health, dogs often provide a good workout! Instead of sitting on the couch and getting lazy, dogs are eager to transfer their energy and enthusiasm to the owner, benefiting both the dog and the owner in many ways. Studies show that dogs demonstrate trust and provide comfort to the sick or elderly, thus helping people live longer and be more positive as they age. Pet owners over the age of 75 have f...... middle of paper...... and loyalty that can't be found from any other source. Even the hardest heart can be touched by a cold, wet nose or a comforting cuddle. Domestic animals appear to be able to recognize and adapt to many of the conditions placed upon them in our human environment. They can provide the sense of companionship and love that is missing in normal human relationships. Works Cited Davis, Jeanie L. "What Are the Health Benefits of Owning a Pet." WebMD: Better information. Better health. WebMD. Network. November 30, 2011. “National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Program: The Health Benefits of Pets.” NIH Consensus Development Program. Network. October 30, 2011. "Why Have Pets: Health Benefits of Owning a Pet." Shil1978 on HubPages. Network. October 30, 2011.Wilkey, Mark. “Why do so many people keep pets?” ArticleSnatch's free article directory. Network. October 30. 2011.