Overall, owning a dog is associated with a nearly one-third reduced risk of a second heart attack or stroke and a 24% lower risk of death compared to people living alone, according to two comprehensive studies published in the American Heart Association. The Journal of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
The first study examined more than 300,000 Swedish residents aged between 40 and 85 who had previously suffered a heart attack or ischemic stroke using data published in the Swedish National Patient Registry, a comprehensive Swedish health database. The researchers found that the risk of death was 33% lower for dog owners who lived alone and only 15% lower for those with a partner or child compared to those without a dog at home. For those who had a stroke, dog owners noticed a 27% reduction in risk for the dog and a 12% reduction with a partner.
We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for poor health outcomes and premature death. “Previous studies have indicated that dog owners experience less social isolation and have more interaction with others,” study author Tove Fall said in a statement. “Having a dog is also a good motivation for physical activity and is an important factor in rehabilitation and mental health.”
However, the authors were quick to note that their findings may be positively biased by dog owners who also live with a partner or relate negatively to people who may have recently lost a dog. They warned that more research is needed to confirm the cause before dogs are “prescribed for prevention”.
The main limitation concerns data we didn’t have, such as lifestyle and personal information. The big question is whether people who own a dog really care about physical activity and social interaction. If so, they might be a little protected anyway, even without the dog,” Bean told IFLScience.
In a second study, scientists reviewed data from more than 3.8 million people over the age of 18 across 10 different studies. They found that dog owners had a 24% lower risk of death, as well as a 65% lower risk of having a heart attack and a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Our findings suggest that dog ownership is associated with a longer lifespan. Our analyzes did not account for confounding factors such as better fitness or a generally healthier lifestyle that may be associated with dog ownership. “But the results were very positive,” said study author Carolyn Kramer.
Owning a dog is associated with increased physical activity, which reduces depression and loneliness, both of which are linked to cardiovascular problems.