Study Says If You Want a Long Happy Life, Get a Dog!

Turns out your tail wagging friend may be saving your life, according to this latest Swedish study.

CNN reports, a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports says that owning a dog reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers discovered this after observing Swedish individuals between the ages 40-80 over a period of 12 years.

Here's what they found:

Single dog owners risk of death lowered by 33%, and their risk of cardiovascular disease by 36%. Meanwhile, dog owners who lived in a multi-person household found similar effects, just at a lower percentage. This may be because a single person spends the most time with their pet.

Researchers also found that levels of protection from disease and death varied depending on the type of dog. There was higher protection in dog owners of hunting breeds, terriers, retrievers and scent hounds. Although keep in mind, ANY dog decrease your risk.

Moral of the story: not only do they love us unconditionally, they're keeping us active, social AND healthy.

via GIPHY

If you're looking to keep your heart healthy, just get a dog! I also urge you to check out any one of our animal shelters right here in South Jersey, to provide a forever home for our rescue dogs!