Does owning a pet make you healthier?
October 31st, 2019
A recent study undertaken by the American Heart Association to establish if there is a link between pet ownership and a reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Although more work needs to be done, the study did establish owning a pet, particularly a dog, does result in reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular disease risk. A lot of this is down to the extra motivation a dog provides in getting outside to walk and also the companionship and love pets (especially dogs) provide on a daily basis. For example, an Australian study has shown that dog owners are 57% more likely to meet the recommended level of physical activity than nonowners.