Can having a dog increase your life span? The short answer is yes. It’s true: dog ownership can help you live longer.
Recent studies have shown that having a dog actually can increase your life span! So if you were on the fence about adopting a furry friend, let this be the push you need to make it official.
Dogs Get Owners More Exercise
First of all, dogs are a great company. Dogs are loyal and loving, and they are known to improve social skills because they encourage you to talk to people outside your comfort zone. And it’s not just through conversation—dog owners get more exercise because they take their dogs on walks, which is an important factor in keeping your heart healthy and staying in shape.
A 2013 study found that dog owners engage in more walking behaviors than those who don’t have dogs, and walk for a longer period of time than non-dog owners. Dog parks are also a great way to meet new people; it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone when you’re both playing fetch with your pets.
They May Help You Reduce Stress Levels
Dogs have also been shown to reduce stress levels and boost our moods by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in our brains—which means a happier immune system, lower blood pressure, and decreased anxiety overall. A study from 2002 revealed that even just petting a dog can increase oxytocin levels by up to 130%. What’s better than snuggling with something cute.
Dogs Help Owners Lower Heart Disease Risks
One study cited by the American Heart Association found that people who had dogs were 24% less likely to die over a 10 year period than people without dogs. And one of the main reasons for this trend? The study suggests that dog owners are forced to go out and exercise more than people who don’t own dogs.
Having a dog also lowers your risk of heart disease and depression, and can even lower your blood pressure! Not only that, but dog owners tend to have a higher rate of survival after a heart attack or stroke compared to non-dog owners. Basically, it seems like dogs can help you live longer in almost every way possible!
