A 12-year study in Sweden covering 3.4 million dog owners and non dog owners has revealed some interesting facts:
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In general, dog owners were found to have 20% less risk of dying
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People with dogs who also lived alone saw a 33% lower risk of death and 8% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease
The findings are not really surprising, though.
It’s been known for a long time that pets, in general, help reduce stress and even help patients recuperate faster. There are several other benefits to having non-human friends living with you.
For example, University of Wisconsin-Madison pediatrician James E. Gern proved through many studies that children with pets at home are 33% less likely to develop related allergies.
Here’s another interesting nugget:
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have both conducted heart-related studies on people who have pets. The findings showed that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels — all of which can ultimately minimize their risk for having a heart attack down the road. For those who have already experienced a heart attack, research also indicates that patients with a dog or a cat tend to have better recovery rates. These benefits are thought to be connected with pets’ tendency to help reduce or at least control their owners’ overall stress levels.”
The Swedish study merely validates what others have proved time and time again – pets are good for your health.
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