Advertisement

Owning a dog is good for your heart — study says what we all knew

A new study says owning a dog can lower chances of developing heart problems. Getty Images

It seems unconditional love from a fluffy, drooling canine is one key to a healthier life — as many people already expected.

A study of more than 3.4-million people revealed that having a dog in the house is linked to living a longer life. The research, published in Scientific Reports by Uppsala University in Sweden, reviewed a national registry of people aged 40 to 80 for up to 12 years. Just over 13 per cent were dog owners.

READ MORE: Could having a pet reduce obesity and allergies in children?

By evaluating health records, it found that registered dog owners had a lower risk of having heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions. It said owning a dog cuts down the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 36 per cent for people that live alone.

Story continues below advertisement

WATCH: Study says dogs only do puppy dog eyes around humans

Click to play video: 'Study: Dogs only do puppy dog eyes around humans'
Study: Dogs only do puppy dog eyes around humans

There is a slightly lower benefit to owning a canine for those who don’t live alone — the risk was cut by only 15 per cent. Researchers even considered other factors such as smoking and body weight to make sure the results were as accurate as possible.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

While the study stops short of determining a direct “causal effect” between dog ownership and lower heart disease, it indicates that dog owners may have better health because they stay active by walking their pets, even in bad weather.

READ MORE: Study suggests homeless youth with pets less likely to be depressed, use hard drugs

It adds that having a fluffy friend could also help ease feelings of isolation, depression and stress.

Story continues below advertisement

“Dog ownership is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in single households and with a reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death in the general population,” the study concludes.

WATCH: This therapy dog is living her best life after being rescued from a trash bag in South Korea

Click to play video: 'This therapy dog is living her best life after being rescued from a trash bag in South Korea'
This therapy dog is living her best life after being rescued from a trash bag in South Korea

And it’s just one of many studies that have come to a similar conclusion about the health benefits of owning a dog.

READ MORE: Owning a dog can bring big health benefits for seniors, study finds

Earlier this year, a study found that seniors who own a dog spend an average of 22 more minutes per day staying active and take an additional 2,760 steps per day.

Dogs have also been found to improve mental health in children, and help soothe stress for travellers nervous about their flight and students during exams.

Story continues below advertisement

— With files from Global News reporter Tania Kohut

Sponsored content

AdChoices