Having a dog in the home can positively affect not only mood but also lifespan. Researchers have found that dog owners are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and have a lower risk of premature death.
According to a study published in the scientific journal Ahajournals, the risk of death from any cause for dog owners may be 24% lower.
Researchers have discovered an unexpected link between having a pet and the risk of premature death. Having a dog in the home can reduce the risk of death from any cause by 24%, reports The Washington Post.
Why are dogs good for health?
As noted in the article, furry friends provide particularly noticeable benefits to people who already have heart problems. A 2019 study in Ahajournals showed that dog owners are less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases.
Stephen Petrow, who has raised four dogs in his lifetime, notes that animals become not only loyal listeners but also the main motivation for daily activity. From his own experience, he has found that the need to walk his cocker spaniel Binks helps him easily meet the daily goal of 10,000 steps.
Additionally, he shared that his dog helped him get through a difficult period after his divorce, providing structure to his days and being the reason to wake up every morning even in a state of deep depression.
Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School Beth Frates confirms that such daily rituals lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
At the same time, Professor Adrian Bauman emphasizes that the protective effect comes from active, continuous walks, not just the mere presence of an animal in the apartment.
Dog as emotional support
In addition to physical health, dogs save us from loneliness. Petrow noticed that by walking Binks, he found new friends among people who were also walking their pets.
Surveys show that for 80% of elderly pet owners, animals become the main source of a sense of purpose and joy, helping to effectively overcome stress.
In the opinion of the editorial team, dogs can indeed positively influence the quality and duration of human life — but not in a magical way, rather through movement, routine, emotional support, and live communication. A pet often becomes not only a friend but also a real motivation to take care of oneself every day.
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