Having a pet has numerous health benefits. They can expand opportunities to exercise, socialize, and get outside. Walking or playing with pets on a regular basis can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Companionship from pets can help us cope with loneliness and sadness. In the United States, almost every home has at least one pet.

People's bonds with their pets have been demonstrated in studies to improve fitness, reduce stress, and offer enjoyment to their owners. The following are some of the health advantages of having a pet:

Blood pressure is lower.

Reduced levels of cholesterol

Triglyceride levels have dropped.

Increased possibilities for exercise and outdoor activities

Reduced feelings of loneliness

Increasing the number of opportunities for social interaction

Choose the Best Pet

Make sure a new pet is the right fit for you and your family before you adopt it. Do some preliminary study into the animal's individual requirements. Before you buy a pet, ask yourself the following questions:

How long do you think this animal will live?

What kind of food does the pet consume?

What kind of exercise does the pet require?

What size will it grow to?

How much will veterinarian care set you back?

Do I have enough time to give the pet proper care and clean up after it?

What kind of environment does this pet require to stay healthy?

What kind of exercise does this animal require?

Is it okay if I have a pet in my house, apartment, or condominium?

Are there any young children, seniors, or people with compromised immune systems who will look after or be near the pet?

Diseases transferred between animals and people are more likely to affect children under the age of five, persons with compromised immune systems, and people 65 and older (also known as zoonotic diseases). Certain animal-related disorders are also more likely to affect pregnant women. Keep the following in mind when obtaining a new pet:

Because of the potential of serious sickness from hazardous germs shared between these animals and young children, households with children 5 years of age and younger should not have pet reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes), amphibians (frogs, toads), or backyard chickens.

When choosing and managing pets, those with weaker immune systems should take special measures. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in selecting the right pet.

Adopting a new cat or handling stray cats, especially kittens, should be avoided by pregnant women. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can cause birth abnormalities and is spread by cats. You do not have to stop working if you are pregnant. You don't have to get rid of your current cat, but you should avoid switching litter boxes.

To avoid becoming infected with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which can cause birth abnormalities, pregnant women should avoid contact with pet rodents. If you're expecting a child and have a pet rodent, stay away from it and have someone else clean its cage.

Stay Healthy Around Pets

Wash Your Hands

It's vital to wash your hands after playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after your pet to help lower the chance of getting sick from germs carried by pets. If you or a family member is worried about getting sick, see a doctor and explain any animals you've lately been in contact with.

Always wash hands:

Hands must always be washed:

After you've touched or played with your pet,

After you've finished feeding or handling your pet's food,

Following the handling of pet housing or equipment (cages, tanks, toys, food and water dishes, etc.)

Following the removal of pet waste,

Even if you did not contact an animal, leave areas where animals live (coops, barns, stalls, etc.) after leaving.

Before you eat or drink,

Prior to cooking food or beverages,

After removing soiled clothes or shoes

Hand washing is ideally done with running water and soap, however, hand sanitizer can be used until flowing water and soap are available. Hand washing should always be aided by adults for young children.

Keep Your Pet Healthy

Providing regular, life-long veterinarian care for your dog, cat, horse, parakeet, gerbil, bearded dragon, or another fun pet is crucial for keeping your pet and family healthy. The importance of regular veterinary checkups to your pet's health cannot be overstated. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to keep your pet healthy. Provide a healthy diet, fresh water, clean bedding, and enough exercise for your pet. Vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention for your pet should all be kept up to date. Ticks carried by some pets can transmit deadly diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans. Fleas can be a problem for both animals and their owners in plague-affected areas, such as some rural areas in the western United States.

You can help yourself and your family stays healthy by keeping your pet healthy. If you have any concerns about your pet's health or suspect that he or she is ill, contact your veterinarian.

Practice Good Pet Hygiene

Practicing good pet care, in addition to hand cleaning, can help prevent the spread of germs between pets and people. Keep pets and their supplies out of the kitchen and, when feasible, sanitize pet habitats and supplies outside the house. Cleaning materials in the kitchen sink, food preparation areas, or bathroom sink is never a good idea. You don't have to worry about your pets contaminating surfaces in your home with germs.

• Always use a bag to collect your dog's excrement (poop) and dispose of it properly in your yard and public locations. Poop from dogs and cats may contain parasites and pathogens that are dangerous to humans. To avoid contracting roundworms or hookworms, keep children away from areas where dog or cat feces might be present. Sandboxes should be covered to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes. Make the litter box clean for the cat. Clean the cat’s litter box daily to lower the chances of exposure to harmful parasites. Remember, pregnant women should avoid changing a cat’s litter box if possible.