Study: Owning a dog helps you live longer, lowers risk of heart attack, stroke

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) -- Dogs are the perfect furry friends to cuddle up with at the end of the day, but new research suggests your pet can actually help you live a longer, healthier life.

According to a study published ina journal of the American Heart Association,owning a canine 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.

They study also saysdog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors living by themselves and 27% reduced risk of death for stroke survivors living by themselves, compared to people who did not own a pup.

“We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death. Previous studies have indicated that dog owners experience less social isolation and have more interaction with other people,” said Tove Fall, D. V. M., professor at Uppsala University in Sweden.

Findings suggest taking care of your furry friend gives your increased physical exercise, lower blood pressure levels and a better cholesterol profile overall. Need we say more?