Probably the most common reason for bringing a pet into your home is companionship, but is it possible that adding a dog or cat to the family could improve your health? Studies say yes.

According to the Humane Society, over 70 percent of the homes in America have either a cat or dog residing in them, and Newsweek reports strengthened physical and mental wellness in pet owners because of it.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) touts the benefits of outdoor play for both pets and their people. Provide your pooch the minimum of 15-minute walks twice a day and you will be exercising more than most. Dog owners know, however, that the more running, jumping and playing your dog does, the better. So go for jogs, ride a bike as your dog runs along, and swim together during the summer.

Stress and anxiety are common complaints from the average American. Petting your dog, snuggling with a cat or watching fish peacefully swim can help slow breathing and redirect your thoughts. Simply looking at animals can reduce tension, says the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland.  According to the Center for Disease Control, pet — human relationships can also produce more physical benefits such as reduced blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, and fewer cardiovascular risks.

Pets also prove to have therapeutic value. From companion dogs for wheelchair-bound individuals to horseback riding as a form of therapy for autism and elderly community pet placement to battle depression and loneliness, pets provide a type of care, sense of soundness, for people on all walks through life.

For the everyday pet owner, meal times run like clockwork — often met with dancing, bouncing and an outpouring of glee from a furry friend. Another great way to improve both your pet’s health and your own is to invest more in meal time than a scoop of kibble and a few hurried minutes.

Making your own dog or pet food, although often recommended by vets, can be costly. Instead, intersperse in your pet’s diet the occasional helping of boiled chicken and brown rice or make a batch of healthy treats that the two of you can enjoy together. Here’s a recipe that’s nutritious and delicious for pooch and pet owner.

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

½ cup fat free milk

1 egg

2 – 2 ½ cups of water (you want a dough-like consistency)

2 – 3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter

1 – 2 small scoops of natural, plain yogurt clusters

Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl, the wet ingredients, including peanut butter and yogurt, in another bowl. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a cookie sheet. Blend together the ingredients, roll out the dough and cut out approximately ¼ inch thick cookies. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes.

When you and your pet munch these tasty treats together, take time to remember that owning a pet is a gift and that you both benefit from the relationship.

This post was included in the "Glitch in the System" Edition of The Homesteading Carnival and the Stay Young From the Inside Out Blog Carnival.