Pets bring into our lives many benefits that are priceless, such as happiness and good health.

One of the amazing things that was discovered about a family having a pet at home is that dogs, cats, or other furry animals are effective allergy fighters.

Photo: Pexels/Pixabay

"The old thinking was that if your family had a pet, the children were more likely to become allergic to the pet. And if you came from an allergy-prone family, pets should be avoided," James E. Gern, MD, a researcher and a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, stated in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

However, based on his study, infants with dogs living at home were less likely to manifest signs of pet allergies -- 19% versus 33%. They were also less likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema, which usually afflicts young children. Moreover, these infants had elevated levels of some immune system chemicals that signify stronger activation of the immune system.

Photo: Pexels/Pixabay

And so, owning a pet really bring blessings to people of all ages. There are also therapy and service animals who have helped in improving the lives of people with disabilities and other struggles.

But, of course, people should also learn how to choose the right pet for them and their family. Having a pet entails responsibilities and some health risks that must be considered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pets can carry germs to which some individuals may be more susceptible, like persons with weak immune systems, pregnant women, and young children. The CDC advises that families with kids under 5 years of age should avoid having reptiles and backyard poultry for pets since the risk of contracting serious illnesses from these animals is higher.

Photo: Tiktok/rocket_the_iguana

According to the CDC, these are the questions we should ask ourselves when getting a pet:

• What is the lifespan of this animal?
• What is this animal's diet?
• What kind and how much exercise does it need?
• How big will it become?
• How much will this animal's veterinary care cost?
• Do I have enough time to devote to its proper care, including clean-up?
• What type of habitat does this pet require to keep it healthy?
• Are pets allowed in my house, condominium, or apartment?
• Are there elderly people, people with weak immune systems, or young children who will take part in the pet care or be around the animal?

Photo: Tiktok/rocket_the_iguana

Well, this pet owner has certainly chosen a unique pet who's attracting a lot of attention on Tiktok! His pet? An iguana named Rocket, one of the largest lizards in the Americas.

In this viral post, his human dad caught Rocket munching on dog food without a care in the world. The reptile has been craving a midnight snack, and there was a bag of kibble in the kitchen. Must be this iguana's lucky day.

OMG, dad has arrived on the scene! Should he feel guilty for being caught in the act? Nope, not Rocket. He knows that his unique charm will easily win his dad over, just as it did with millions of Tiktok users!

https://www.tiktok.com/@rocket_the_iguana/video/7183784803903229226?embed_source=121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_card_play&refer=embed&referer_url=pethelpful.com%2Fpet-news%2Figuana-stealing-dog-food&referer_video_id=7183784803903229226