Having a dog in the home substantially reduces the risk of heart attacks and other fatal conditions, a major study has shown. Researchers found that dog ownership had a dramatic effect on people who live alone, cutting the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 36%. The findings emerge from a study of more than 3.4 million people in Sweden whose medical and pet ownership records were analysed to investigate the potential health benefits of dog ownership. For those in larger households, the risk of death was 11% lower among dog owners, the researchers write in Scientific Reports. “It may be that dog owners like to be outdoors more, or are more organised, or more empathic,” she said.

Source: The Guardian November 17, 2017 10:18 UTC