Why do dog owners live longer and get less sick

Scientific studies conducted in different countries show that dog owners live longer compared to people who do not have them, and are also less prone to chronic diseases. One might think that the reason for such differences lies in the positive emotions from communicating with four-legged friends, but, as it turned out, this is not only the case.

English scientists from Liverpool decided to find out how the life and level of activity of the British differs depending on whether they have a dog or not. The study involved nearly 700 people who completed questionnaires and passed a series of tests to assess their physical condition. After analyzing the collected data, it turned out that dog owners are more moving and have better health indicators compared to those British who did not want to have active pets.

The reason for better health lies in the lifestyle of dog breeders, because it is no secret that having a pet significantly changes people's habits. In order for the dog to walk in the fresh air, people have to get up earlier, move more and spend more time outdoors. At the same time, the maximum that most residents of large cities bother with is a trip to the public transport stop and back, which sometimes includes a walk through the supermarket. According to questionnaires, the owner of the dogs spends in the open air an average of 35 minutes a day, while the rest of the British have this figure several times less. According to the researchers, the presence of a dog forces people to lead a more mobile lifestyle.

Scientists from Sweden came to similar conclusions, who note that dog owners are less susceptible to diseases of the cardiovascular system, and also have a longer life expectancy. But American scientists from Texas found that pensioners with dogs are much less likely to visit doctors and have fewer health problems than their peers who do not burden themselves with caring for the animal.

But do not attribute the positive effect of having dogs only to walks. It turns out that the emotional component is also great, and this is characteristic not only for dog breeders, but also for everyone who deals with animals, from horses to decorative aquarium fish. Interaction with our smaller brothers reduces the manifestation of depressive states, helps to lower blood pressure and has a comprehensive positive effect. For this reason, the UK even plans to develop a special program to stimulate dog breeding, because, as scientists say, the more pets, the better the health indicators of the nation.