Keeping a furry friend is lots of work.
Between walkies, fetch and fur removal, canine companions certainly keep you busy – but it seems it all pays off.
A new study has found dog owners may live longer and be rewarded with improved cardiovascular health.
The research, from the American Heart Association, reviewed data from 3.8 million participants spanning seven decades.
Researchers found “dog ownership was associated with a 24% risk reduction for all-cause mortality as compared to non-ownership”.
Those who had suffered health problems such as heart attack and stroke reaped even more health rewards.
So which part of owning a dog might be the elixir of life?
On one hand, the companionship boosts mental health by combating anxiety and loneliness, improving self-esteem and overall mood.
On the other, it helps your physical health by keeping you active and increasing your time spent outdoors.
So there you have it: if you’re serious about your health, you should think about adding a hound to your home.
