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. (More pets stories.)