Some say our pets mirror our souls. They just might reflect our physical and mental health, too.

Pets and their parents share the same home and lots of time, so if a person smokes, his cat may develop asthma. Similarly, if you eat processed food and don’t exercise much, it’s likely your dog does the same. As a result, both of you may be at risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes — even cancer.

Our mental state is often reflected in our pets too. For example, stressed dogs tend not to seek solace from owners who avoid their own feelings. Similarly, feline idiopathic [ĭdēō-PATH-ic] cystitis [sĭs-TĪT-us] — a urinary problem caused by stress — can get worse when a cat’s parent is anxious, too. That’s why therapy often relies on treating the nervous parent.

So, when your veterinarian suggests a course of action for your pet, listen up. It might be healthful for you, too.