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.
Cruel owners pretend their ‘Covid’ dogs are strays to get rid of them
Why dog owners feel more loved and cope better with isolation
Dogs help you recover from heart attacks and strokes…and live longer
Stop buying so many Christmas presents…you’ll be much happier
Between 10 and 11pm bedtime ‘helps avoid heart attacks and strokes’
Where does the fat go when we lose weight…could it add to climate change?
Why afternoon naps could be a sign of serious health problems
Leaving heating on all the time – pros and cons to save money
Women warned of HRT breast cancer risk – even 10 years after use
How long before it’s safe to drive after alcohol – longer than you think
TV doctor says humans ‘not designed’ to be vegans and many lack vitamins
Scientists discover bacteria in Irish soil that fights off superbugs
Why hangovers get worse as you get older – why you need drink free days
Why people ignore early signs of dementia and fear to seek help
Doctors save man’s life by pumping 15 cans of beer into his body
The bonuses of quitting the gym – be healthier, happier, richer
You can have lots of life, love and zip into your 80s if you start now