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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives

Plus, owning a dog can help heart attack survivors recover. - by Laura Barry
  • 09 Oct 2019
Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives
Getty

Owning a dog really is good for your health and wellbeing. Multiple studies have proven that people with a canine companion are happier, that patting a dog can reduce stress, that kids and people with pets have better mental health, and that just having a dog in the office can even make employees work harder. It's a good deal, no matter which way you look at it. 

However, recent research has found that owning a dog could help you live longer, particularly if you have suffered a cardiac event or stroke. 

Two new studies that surveyed survivors of strokes and heart attacked, conducted by the American Heart Association, found that survivors who owned dogs had increased physical activity levels and increased social support, both of which could improve the outcome after a major cardiovascular event. The research also indicated dog ownership may be particularly important for people who live alone, where a pet may provide companionship and motivation for physical activity.

The Studies also indicated that dog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors living alone and 27% reduced risk of death for stroke survivors living alone, compared to people who did not own a dog. Better yet, oowning a dog was associated with a 24% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of death by heart attack or stroke compared to non-owners. That means anyone who owns a dog is more likely to live longer than those who don't!

puppy at pub
Getty

The findings are supported by an older study conducted by a team of scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden, which found that those with a canine companion had a lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, as well as other causes.

More than 3.4 million Swedes aged 40 to 80 were examined in the study, which showed that dog ownership was a “protective factor” in people living alone, says Mwenya Mubanga, lead junior author of the study and PhD student at the Department of Medical Sciences and the Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University.

“Other explanations,” says Tove Fall, senior author of the study and Associate Professor in Epidemiology at the Department of Medical Sciences and the Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, “include an increased well-being and social contacts or effects of the dog on the bacterial microbiome in the owner."

Keen to adopt a dog? Watch a guide on the type of dog you should adopt, based on your star sign!

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

How to tell if your dog needs to see a vet

How to tell if your dog needs to see a vet

The positive effects of pets on kids

The positive effects of pets on kids

{headline}

{headline}

Mum spends $1,740 on pet dog for Christmas

Mum spends $1,740 on pet dog for Christmas

How to prepare your pet for your holiday

How to prepare your pet for your holiday

How to tell if your pet is left-pawed or right-pawed

How to tell if your pet is left-pawed or right-pawed

{headline}

{headline}

Sleeping next to your dog could improve quality of sleep

Sleeping next to your dog could improve quality of sleep

Five tips for caring for aged pets

Five tips for caring for aged pets

11 pets that travel more than we do

11 pets that travel more than we do

Puppy Yoga Is Coming To Australia - Yes, You Read That Right

Puppy Yoga Is Coming To Australia - Yes, You Read That Right

Stylish indoor plants that won't poison your pets

Stylish indoor plants that won't poison your pets

12 pet-friendly hotels around the world

12 pet-friendly hotels around the world

How to ask your landlord for a pet

How to ask your landlord for a pet

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