Owning a dog could give you a new leash on life.
A 2019 study out of Sweden linked dog ownership to an increase in physical activity and social support and a lower risk of premature death following a heart attack or stroke.
Though other research has cast doubt on the direct effect of pets on mortality, the American Heart Association has identified four major ways that being a pup parent can be good for your heart.
Become more active
A British study found that dog owners are roughly four times more likely to meet the UK- and US-recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week than non-dog owners.
Dog owners tend to do more recreational walking, the researchers found, and walking the dog did not replace more intense forms of exercise.
A depressed, diabetic divorcé said he shed 150 pounds after adopting an overweight, middle-aged rescue dog. Even his pup Peety lost 25 pounds.
Reduce risk of chronic disease
Regular exercise helps with weight management and blood sugar control, significantly reducing the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
The Mayo Clinic reports that walking 30 minutes a day reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes and recommends starting a 12-week walking schedule with your dog.
It’s important to ensure your dog stays in shape. Research from 2020 found that people who own a dog with diabetes are 38% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who have a non-diabetic dog.
Lower blood pressure
A 2022 review of pet ownership, heart disease and hypertension found that senior citizens and children appear to reduce high blood pressure the most with a pet.
Petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
“Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature,” explained Dr. Jeremy Barron, a geriatric medicine physician in Baltimore. “It’s relaxing and transcendental.”
Military members and veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder have been shown to benefit from having a service dog because it reduces the severity of their PTSD, anxiety and loneliness.
Ease loneliness
Ninety-five percent of pet parents rely on their pets for stress relief, according to a 2022 American Heart Association survey.
Dr. Beth Frates, director of lifestyle medicine and wellness at the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Surgery, suggests that pet owners feel special and loved when they come home to dogs excited to see them and feel soothed when they hear their cat’s gentle purrs.
A Hungary survey published Tuesday reported that nearly 94% of dog owners like the “unconditional love” their pooch provides them, and 36% benefit from social interactions generated by their dog.
Pup owners are more likely to meet people in their neighborhood, in dog parks or in dog-friendly spaces like cafés or bars.
