Most think that people take care of their pets, but it is actually pets who take care of their owners. Pets help their owners feel better in both a psychological and physiological sense. Research has shown that pet owners enjoy lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, use less drugs and have less chance of developing heart disease. However, pets also pose potential health risks. According to research conducted by the American Asthma and Allergy Association, more than 50 million people in the United States suffer from nasal infections. The number of allergens increases every day, affecting some 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. The research also states that allergens are a key contributor to chronic diseases. According to another study conducted in the United States, 49.1 percent of dog and cat owners had allergens six months ago. Today, this ratio has climbed to a staggering 99.9 percent.This research shows that the ratio of homes with allergens is increasing in correlation with the number of households with cats and dogs. Allergens reach people through their clothes and environment, posing significant health threats.