Several studies suggest that dog owners, on average, live longer than those who don’t own one. Is it high time to get your own dog?
By Ringo Bones
Now, more than ever, there is even more of a reason to get a
dog: it might help you live longer. A Swedish study published in the Journal of
Scientific Reports in November 2017 found that dog ownership is associated with
a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, amongst other benefits. In the United
States, a study between dog owners and the veterinarians who treat their
pooches have also shown that people who own dogs benefit from increased
physical activity given that dogs need their daily walk around the block as
well as support and companionship. The stress-reducing effect of petting a dog and
related pets – also play a factor for a healthier overall cardiovascular health
among dog owners. For people living alone, dogs can decrease your risk of
sudden death by 33-percent and your risk of cardiovascular-related death by
36-percent compared to people living alone that don’t have a pet.
The benefits don’t only extend to those who live alone,
although they have the greatest incentive to adopt a furry family member. Multi-person
homes see an 11-percent decrease in their chances of death with a dog at home
and a 15-percent lower chance of death due to cardiovascular disease. Researchers
found a benefit in owning dogs of all breeds - however, the owners of hunting
breeds such as retrievers, terriers and scent hounds saw the most reduced
chances from dying of cardiovascular related diseases. While researchers say
there’s still more to investigate, benefits are thought to also come in part
from increased immunity thanks to dogs bringing dirt into the home from
outdoors. Chances are, it seems that longevity and dog ownership might go
hand-in-hand?
