One thing humans have done well – keeping dogs as companions. These outstanding creatures have been making our lives better since forever, but what’s more, they even make us better individuals.
A study published in Nature shows that dog owners both live longer and are at a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Data collected from more than 3 million individuals aged between 40 and 80 shows people with a dog register a 33% reduction in risk of death and an 11% reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease compared to single non-dog owners.
The study’s lead author Mwenya Mubanga said in an accompanying media release:
“A very interesting finding in our study was that dog ownership was especially prominent as a protective factor in persons living alone, which is a group reported previously to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death than those living in a multi-person household. Perhaps a dog may stand in as an important family member in the single households.”
The study also showed that larger breeds of dog are more favourable than smaller breeds.
Dog owners are physically active due to walking and that improves their health.
Owning a dog leads to an increased well-being and improved social contacts, making people lead happier lives.
Another positive thing is the effects of the dog on the bacterial microbiome in the owner.
Do we need to even say it? You should have just adopted a dog by now.