Owning a dog can not only help you live longer, but also make you stronger in recovering from major health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Those are some of the major findings of a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a scientific journal of the American Heart Association.
It is widely accepted that there are several health benefits to being a dog owner.
The regular exercise and active lifestyle are good for the body, and the companionship and love are great for the soul.
It is no wonder dogs have long since been described as man’s best friend.
This latest report focuses on the positive impact dogs can have when their owners have suffered a serious health scare.
The key results showed that stroke survivors and heart attack survivors who lived alone were more likely to die than those who owned a dog.
Those who lived with someone else were also less likely to die than those living alone.
On the face of it the findings are unsurprising, but they do, once again highlight the health benefits of owning a dog.
The study also concluded that dog owners tend to live longer than non-dog owners and are less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke.
There are numerous ways that dogs can have a positive impact on their owner’s health.
The fun and play we enjoy with our pooches both indoors and outside release chemicals in our brain including oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, often referred to as ‘happy hormones’.
This chemical reaction boosts our mood and sense of well-being.
The added benefits of the exercise also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression, isolation and anxiety.
As pack animals, dogs are famous for their loyalty and ability to love and support their family members.
There are many great knock-on benefits to overall lifestyle from owning a dog too, as well as the exercise and fresh air.
Walks offer daily opportunities to explore new ground and go on an adventure together.
There is every chance you could meet friends and build a larger support community around you.
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