It's National Pet day! We love our pets! Whether it's a dog, cat, bird or hamster. Pets are healthy for us to have in our lives.

helpguide.org listed some benefits that studies have found:

Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.

People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.

Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.

Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.

Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

While people with dogs often experience the greatest health benefits, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate.

No better way to celebrate your pet than to give them some lovin! Which, of course, you should do everyday!

More From Kicker 102.5