Although considered as man's best friend, they can also be a man's great healer. How can dogs help in our mental well-being? Read to find out more. 

Ever notice how people's faces brighten up when an adorable pup passes by? Or how videos of funny dogs catch our attention and brighten our day? It turns out that this isn't mere observation and experience--there are scientific studies that show how dogs can actually help relieve stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns in humans.

Aside from their seemingly obvious cute faces and funny antics, how do dogs actually help us in our mental healing?

It's often stated that dogs are a man's best friend. However, that also rings true for many pet animals, including cats, fish, birds, and exotic animals. Just as all of these pets offer companionship to their owners, beloved animals also provide a significant amount of health benefits to their owners.

Taking your dog on a hike with you can be an enjoyable experience, provided you have the right hiking gear to accommodate the both of you. Taking your best friend along shouldn’t bog you down with extra gear but you will need to consider where you are going and how long you plan to hike in order to ensure you have what you need for a safe trip.

People with allergies should be careful in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their home. More than 70 perc...

For thousands of years people have been looking for the 'Fountain of Youth'. People will stop at nothing to find a way to live longer. Money is no option if a 'break-through' is found that can make us look younger and feel better. The health food and vitamin industry is an every growing billion dollar industry. Fueled by mans need to live longer and feel better people endlessly search for an ever elusive answer. But is the answer really elusive? NO! Studies continually show that owning a pet can extend a persons life and make them happier. This is especially true for older persons who need it the most.

Did you know that owning a cat can decrease your chances of having a heart attack by up to 30%? Studies have found that this simple solution can improve your health and decrease the risks of heart attacks and other diseases. Owning a pet can extend your life, so adding a kitten or puppy to your household can help you live longer. There have been reports of amazing feats by dogs and cats, but this is one that bears looking into.

While pets are good for any age, the aging population is particularly affected by pet ownership. When social networks begin to slow down, having a cat jump on your lap and ask for attention causes the owner to feel needed. The responsibility of caring for a pet also provides purpose. Once children have grown and moved away, it can keep the onset of depression at bay.