With a track record of chewed furniture, wrecked gardens, bad toilet etiquette and allergy-inducing fur, pets are prone to getting rather a poor rap. So, what are the advantages of cohabiting with a furry four-legged friend? Sure, they make you happy, but did you know that they also make you healthy?

Those with allergies aside, pet owners — and more particularly dog owners — are on average healthier than their pet-less peers. Yip, there is quantifiable evidence that this is the case. Whether it is because they reduce stress and therefore boost our immune systems or because they generally lead to an increase in fitness and physical activity is unclear.

So, if your kids are begging for a puppy or you are feeling a little lonely, here are some great excuses to invest in a pet.

Healthier kids

Children who grow up with pets tend to be healthier than those without, with fewer allergies and minor gripes. This could be because exposure to everything associated with cats and dogs (fur, saliva, germs) produce antibodies that fortify the children's immune systems. However, it could also be because the animal provides a source of unconditional love. When parents scold and siblings taunt, animals provide welcome refuge.

Although pets do present some health concerns in the form of fleas, bites, infections and allergies, these can generally be overcome with regular flea-control, good training and thorough hand washing.

Lower blood pressure

A study of New York stockbrokers found that those with pets — particularly cats and dogs — had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those without. The study was conducted on a group of individuals who were on medication for hypertension. Not surprisingly, many in the pet-less group went out and bought pets once they discovered the results.

The emotional bond between owner and pet and the animal's unconditional acceptance has been found to reduce stress and subsequently high blood pressure.

The pet also provides a reason for the owner to engage in physical activity. In this way, dogs are a better option than cats. Daily walks not only provide the owner with regular exercise, they also open up a new world of potential social contacts and support.

A happy heart

Several studies have found that heart-attack patients with pets survive longer than those without. This may have something to do with the fact that male pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without pets. It could also be because of the stress-reducing effects of animals.

Pet owners — especially among the elderly and single women — have also been found to suffer less from loneliness and depression. Once again, this can be attributed to companionship and the non-judgmental space which pets provide.

Are you ready?

Obviously the benefits of owning a pet are somewhat negated if you do not like animals or already suffer from severe allergies. In such cases, pets are not likely to do much to improve your health.

Before investing in a pet, you need to consider two important lifestyle factors. Firstly, are you away from home much? If you are, dogs and cats are probably out of the question, but less dependant animals such as birds and fish may be feasible.

Secondly, is your home conducive to animal ownership? Is there enough space? Do you have a garden where a dog can play? Think carefully about the setup of your home and choose a pet accordingly.

If you are buying pets for your children, it's a good idea to establish a few ground rules about responsibility. If your child is old enough, they should play an active role in cleaning, feeding, training and caring for the pet.

It is also important to remember that while pets come with health benefits, they will also die one day and then you and your children will have to deal with the psychological effects of grief.

Not everyone can own pets and if your lifestyle is such that it is impractical, a good alternative — full of all the healthy benefits — is to volunteer at the local animal shelter.