We all know that dogs are amazing and incredible. No one needs to tell us that twice! But did you know that there are actual scientific benefits to having dogs in your life? Science actually shows that your canine companions could be keeping you healthy!
According to endocrinologist and University of Toronto professor Dr. Caroline Kramer and her research, having a dog can have incredible health benefits. In fact, it can make you live longer as it reduces mortality risks from virtually all causes!
Dr. Kramer was the lead author on a widespread review of global research on this subject, spanning nearly 70 years. Her review, which was published in a reputable journal known as Circulation, encompassed a wide range of data from 10 other studies, with 3.8 million patients’ information.
The result is truly spectacular. Owning a dog can actually ruin all mortality causes by a shocking 24%! This includes:
- A reduced risk of heart attacks
- A reduced risk of stroke
- A 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease in those who have suffered heart attacks and strokes
- A 65% lower risk of death from a heart attack in those who have suffered heart attacks and strokes
- A 33% lower risk of death in those who have suffered heart attacks when living alone
- A 27% lower risk of death in those who have suffered strokes when living alone
This is especially noteworthy since heart attacks and strokes are among the main causes of death of any kind worldwide.
So, what does this all mean? While we can’t say that the correlation is certainly the direct causation for these better lifespans. But it’s pretty reliable – so much so that some cardiologists are recommending that their patients get dogs! So your dog might just be keeping you alive.
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