Dogs have long been known as loyal companions and are often considered men’s best friends. They keep us company, help us socialize, and encourage us to stay active. Some studies suggest dogs can even help prevent certain health issues, such as asthma and respiratory allergies. However, recent research published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, suggests that owning a dog could literally extend one’s life.
This systematic review spans almost 70 years of global research, from 1950 to May 2019, and includes data from nearly 4 million people across the U.S., Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K. “Owning a dog is associated with a 24% reduction in mortality from all causes,” stated Dr. Caroline Kramer, an endocrinologist and lead author of the study. The meta-analysis also found even greater benefits for people who had previously experienced a heart attack or stroke, with a 31% reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease among dog owners.
The novelty of this systematic review lies in its finding that dog ownership provides protection against death from any cause. Previous studies had already shown a link between cardiovascular mortality—a leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization (WHO)—and dog ownership. The most recent of these studies involved over 336,000 Swedish men and women aged 40 to 85 who had suffered a heart attack or stroke, concluding that recovery rates were better for those who owned dogs. The benefits were particularly notable among heart attack survivors who lived alone with a dog; they had a 33% lower risk of death compared to those without a dog. Stroke survivors living alone with a dog showed a 27% reduced risk of death compared to non-dog owners.
“We know that loneliness and social isolation are strong risk factors for premature death, and we hypothesized that having a pet could alleviate this,” said Tove Fall, an associate professor of epidemiology at Uppsala University in Sweden, commenting on these recent findings. “Living alone means you have to take the dog out every time, and we know that physical activity is important in recovery after a heart attack or stroke,” added Fall.
What kind of studies were conducted?
Both studies mentioned here are observational, meaning they don’t prove that dog ownership directly causes longer life expectancy or improved health outcomes after heart attacks and strokes. “Is it the dog, or is it the behavior?” asks Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart.org, the patient education platform of the American College of Cardiology. “Is it because you're exercising, or is there a difference in dog owners and people without dogs? Are they healthier or wealthier? These things we don’t know.”
For instance, the American Heart Association notes that studies have found pet owners who walk their dogs engage in up to 30 more minutes of physical activity daily. But it doesn’t end there. “There are studies suggesting that dog owners have a better cholesterol profile and lower blood pressure. My favorite study even found that petting a dog can reduce blood pressure as much as medication,” Kramer added. Further studies suggest dogs provide companionship and affection, which can reduce anxiety and depression—a particularly important aspect after a major illness like a heart attack or stroke.
“We know that if you’re depressed after a heart attack, it’s more likely there will be an adverse outcome,” Gulati noted. "Many of my patients frequently inquire about their ability to care for a dog following a heart attack or stroke," Gulati said. They worry because they don’t want to leave it alone if something happens. But if possible, I always encourage them to get a dog—perhaps an older rescue dog instead of a harder-to-manage puppy.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlight studies showing dogs reduce stress at almost every life stage. Dogs influence children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, promote active lifestyles, and can even detect oncoming epileptic seizures or certain cancers. “Overall, when it comes to cardiovascular health, the sooner we implement healthier behaviors, the better—from walking to not smoking—and I think having a dog is part of that,” concludes Kramer.
But what if I prefer cats?
If you prefer cats, don’t worry; they too can contribute to our health. A 2009 study found that cat owners have a lower risk of death from heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, even if they no longer live with their feline friends. And on a tough day, just watching cat videos might help; a study from Indiana University found that watching cat videos can boost energy, enhance positive emotions, and reduce negative feelings. Of course, this was just one study, so don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy your cat videos, but don’t rely on them as a medical remedy.
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