When it comes to therapy pets, dogs, cats and other cuddly creatures seem like naturals, but snakes and rats are options, too. They can offer assistance and companionship to people with conditions ranging from autism to high blood pressure. Expand / Contract Studies shows that actively watching a fish can lower your blood pressure (Fox News)For individuals with high blood pressure, a pet fish can be beneficial. “Just simply watching a fish tank…not having to do [anything] but actively sitting there and just watching it lowers your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure,” Hess said. Rabbits and even rats can be great options because they are low maintenance and relatively friendly.

Source: Fox News January 12, 2017 11:04 UTC