We have known for a long time that dogs make you happier, but now there’s science to back it up. Two new studies conducted by the American Heart Association confirmed our suspicions that dog ownership comes with several benefits, including an increased chance of a longer life.
Among survivors of heart attacks or strokes, researchers found that dog owners experienced lower rates of death. Compared with non-dog owners who were part of the study, those who owned dogs had a “better outcome after a major cardiovascular event.” The study did not provide an exact explanation for this correlation, but it’s believed that increased physical activity and the decrease in loneliness associated with dog ownership is the cause.
