10 Ways Pets Make You Healthier

It's not all bad news when it comes to pets and their effect on your health: A recent study found that babies who live with pets may be healthier, and other studies have shown similar benefits to pet ownership. The Huffington Post rounds up nine more:

• Asthma: Sure, no one likes a dusty house, but the dust that resides in the homes of dog owners may actually protect against respiratory syncytial virus, which increases the risk of asthma.

• Self-esteem: Pet owners also feel less lonely and less fearful, are generally more extroverted, and have higher self-esteem.
• Blood pressure: If you are feeling stressed, having a pet can help to stabilize your blood pressure.
• Allergies: Children who live with animals during infancy are less likely to develop allergies later in life.

Click for the full list, which includes two ways pets can help your heart.