Does Owning a Dog Really Help You Live Longer?

People who adore their dogs often say they couldn’t imagine living without them. Their pets bring them extra joy and lots of laughs, but they also get some health boosts that could help them live longer. Check out the reasoning behind the rumor and the potential health benefits you could experience by getting a dog, too.

As cute as dogs might be, they don’t have a magical ability to extend their owners’ life spans. However, recent research shows dog ownership decreases cardiovascular disease risk by motivating owners to be physically active.

Reducing the chance of heart disease means each dog owner’s heart can continue pumping blood effectively much longer than if a chronic condition weakened it. The study inspired people to spread the word that owning a dog could help you live long.

Whether or not heart disease runs in your family, you could benefit from these other health boosts people experience while living with a dog. Each boost to your overall well-being supports your health, making it easier to live a long, happy life together.

Living alone is hard. The constant isolation may intensify feelings of sadness, especially for people living with depression. A dog’s emotional connection and warm presence reduce social isolation, which is especially important for aging adults.

Statistics show that 77% of U.S. adults over 50 want to age in place. They don’t want to move into retirement homes, but their loved ones may not like them living alone in their older years. A dog could provide much-needed companionship for older people and family members who don’t want their loved ones dealing with constant isolation in their homes.

Dogs can’t stay curled up inside all day like cats — they need plenty of exercise to release their energy and maintain their health. Taking your pup out for a stroll gives them the recommended 30–45 minutes of walking daily and increases your heart rate. You’ll get more exercise into your schedule without paying for a gym membership, decreasing your mortality risk with light to moderate walks.

Getting more exercise helps maintain your desired weight. People with lower weight have a 26–114% lesser chance of dying at an early age. The increased exercise from walking your dog will help, but managing their nutrition also improves your own.

Dog owners ensure their pets get protein, fat, carbs, and vitamins in each meal, which requires looking at nutrition labels and learning what makes food healthy. The knowledge eventually informs your own diet. You’ll know whole grains support your heart while leafy greens have essential nutrients, helping you make more informed choices when you get hungry and improving your health as you support your new four-legged best friend.

Dogs are social animals, so if you can’t have more than one, you’ll eventually want to take them to a dog park. Whether you hang out at a local dog park or socialize with other people who own pups, you may socialize more than before. Social support boosts your longevity by creating a physically and emotionally supportive community.

Taking care of a dog can be emotionally soothing. You’ll feel happy when they dance for their favorite food and more calm as you pet them. Pups routinely lower their owners’ stress levels just by hanging out with them.

Stress affects the body on a cellular level, making death more likely by creating stress-related health conditions. Ease your stress down to a manageable level with a dog by your side.

Living with a dog could be precisely what you need, as they encourage better lifestyle choices that might help you live longer. Consider if living with a four-legged family member would suit your daily life and health needs to decide if you should bring one home.