Dog ownership is one of the greatest joys of many. We all know that our hearts “skip a beat” with love when we come home and see our amazing best friends greet us at the front door. Well, it turns out, there might be something to that “skipped beat.”

A recent study is showing dog ownership being scientifically linked to increased cardiovascular health and longevity, especially for those who live solo. The 2017 study out of the Uppsula University in Sweden aimed to correlate the relationship between dogs and increased lifespan of humans who share their home with them. With over 3.4 million Swedish adults being observed, this was one of the largest studies attempting to link dogs and human longevity.

The 12-year study looked at Swedish men and women between the age range of 40 to 80 years old with no history of heart disease. Sweden, a country that provides public health care to all its citizens, documents patient hospital visits in their National Patient Registry. Sweden also requires all dogs to be properly tattooed or microchipped and registered to their owner. To link individuals being studied with whether or not they were dog owners, patient information was cross-referenced with the dog registry information to categorize dog owners vs. non-dog owners. Using the additional personal information on individuals, the study also noted if the individual lived alone or with other human companions.

The findings were hopeful to all dog owners and potential dog owners alike. It was shown that dog owners did, in fact, have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease leading to death as well as a decreased risk of death from other factors. The same could not be said about non-dog owners. Since lifestyle and economic status can affect health, the study was adjusted for factors such as body mass index, smoking and socioeconomic status.

The group of people most positively affected by dog ownership were those individuals living alone. Typically those isolated and homebound tend to have a higher risk for early death than those who cohabitate with other people. The study finds that those who do not share their home with other humans could significantly benefit from adopting a dog from their local shelter or finding a responsible breeder to purchase a dog from. The noted benefits are an 11% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and a 33% reduced risk of death in comparison to the statistics of people who lived alone. Since there is no possible way to know if there are an exact cause and effect between dog ownership and the reduced risk of health issues related to earlier death, there are factors of dog ownership that could explain the correlation.

Dog owners know that in order to keep a dog happy and healthy, they benefit most from a routine that includes a proper feeding schedule and daily exercise. Nothing gets a person out of bed faster than a dog demanding his morning breakfast. Having a set routine with a dependant provides the mental and physical stimulation that many do not receive by simply living alone. Having a dog gives many people a purpose and encourages self-care so that they may be around and continue to properly care for their pet.  

This is further cemented by the study’s results that showed owners of sporting and terrier breeds, such as a Labrador Retriever or Jack Russell Terrier, were a subclass of owners whose health was at an even higher advantage. Typically these types of hunting dogs require more exercise and mental stimulation that their owners must meet in order to have a well-balanced dog. Multiple walks and training sessions encourage owners to actively engage in an activity they might not have otherwise done if living alone. All of this care and energy leads to both a happier dog and a healthier person.

While it’s not a full guarantee that dog ownership will make a person live significantly longer, it is known that dogs bring a certain satisfaction to their people well being. There are many puppies and dogs looking for a place to call home. By welcoming a dog into your life, he very well could extend yours.

Author Bio

Lindsay Engle is the Marketing Specialist at MedicareFAQ, a learning resource centre for Medicare beneficiaries. Lindsay loves working in the senior healthcare industry. Aside from her job, she has a great passion for animals and loves boating. In her spare time, she enjoys snuggling on the couch with her pets as well as fishing with her boyfriend.