Are Dog Owners Healthier?

They slobber on us and shed their hair so that it clings to our black clothes. They wake us early on our days off and bring dead birds to the front porch. Also, they piddle on the floor when something exciting happens and roll in stinky stuff whenever they can find it. They’re our dogs, pets, and best friends, and for as much frustration as they bring us, they also bring us amazing amounts of joy, unconditional loyalty and perhaps even better health.

Are dog owners healthier? It turns out, that owning a dog may be extremely beneficial to your well-being. Current research suggests that, in several key areas, dog owners are healthier than those who don’t own dogs. We sorted through all the available information to give you the skinny on why having a dog might be a great wellness move.

1. On Average, Dog Owners Have Lower Blood Pressure

Spending time with any animal can indeed reduce a person’s blood pressure. But for dog owners, the blood pressure-lowering

effect is even more pronounced. The American Heart Association put out a scientific statement titled, “Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk,” in June of 2013. They referenced an Australian study of 5,471 people who were voluntarily screened for blood pressure readings. They found that dog owners had 3.34 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) lower systolic blood pressure than people who didn’t own dogs. Although 3.34 mmHg may not sound like a significant number but, in terms of blood pressure, it’s a big deal. Some doctors equate even a 2 mmHg reduction to significantly lower chances of having a stroke, heart disease or death.

2. Dog Owners Get More Exercise

It’s a well-known fact that regular exercise is one of the central factors in maintaining optimal health. According to the American Heart Association, studies show that people with dogs walk an average of 300 minutes per week. Whereas those without dogs walk only around 168 minutes each week. This means that dog owners are exceeding the recommended amounts of exercise set by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. They’re exceeding these benchmarks simply by responding to a dog’s need to get outside and burn energy. Thanks, but no thanks, pricey gym membership.

3. People Who Own Dogs Have More Social Interactions Than Those Without Canine Pals

Maybe it’s because dog owners are often out walking their pups in parks and neighborhoods. Maybe it’s because it’s impossible to pass by a friendly neighbor walking his adorable dog without stopping to chat and play with the little fur ball. Harvard Medical School put out a health publication titled, “Get Healthy, Get a Dog: The health benefits of canine companionship.” In the publication, the authors noted that owning a dog can help a person be more social and less isolated. Dog owners are more likely to know their neighbors, receive help from a neighbor and lend a hand in the community. Regular social engagement is incredibly beneficial to positive mental and emotional well-being.

4. Dog Owners Are Less Likely to Experience Depression

Research indicates that spending time with a dog can help us relieve tension and improve our moods. The relationship an owner has with his dog is simple and gratifying. Dogs have a way of making their human feel instantly loved and appreciated. They’re so happy to see us when we return home from work. They’re elated when we grab the leash. They are overjoyed when we give them a biscuit or fill the food dish. Dogs show us their appreciation and approval quite often ― which isn’t always so easy in human relationships alone.

Are dog owners healthier?People with depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have seen vast improvements after bringing a dog into their homes. One veteran shared that his dog would wake him during violent nightmares. With the help of his faithful dog, he was able to wean himself off of sleeping pills and antidepressants. A goldfish is a nice pet – but it can’t wake you and comfort you during a nightmare. Dogs are a great match for someone who struggles with depression. Driving home the point, New York Times Bestselling author Kristan Higgins wrote this in her book, “Catch of the Day,” “When an 85-pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.”

5. Studies Show That Dog Owners Get Sick Less

When we live in clean, tidy little spaces and use heavy duty sanitizers to kill all the germs in our midst, our immune systems don’t get a chance to fight and grow stronger. Enter the family dog – it’s got enough germs to kick the immune system into overdrive. It’s not afraid to spread them around. Rover will be happy to give you a nice wet lick on the mouth anytime – and we all know where its mouth has been. It’s also a big fan of curling up for a nap on your pillow after it’s spent much of the day rolling in the cat-scented grass out back. But have no fear of these pesky little pathogens that ride in on Rover’s fur coat. It does the body good to embrace a furry bundle of germs and give your immune system a worthy sparring partner from time to time.

6. Owning a Dog Can Bolster Brain Power and Cognitive Performance

As much as cat people will claim mental superiority over dog owners all day long, they might just be wrong. In the Harvard Health publication, “Get Healthy, Get a Dog: The health benefits of canine companionship,” the authors referenced a 2011 Italian study. A group of older adult women ― they were all in their 80s ― were instructed to spend 90 minutes a week walking, petting, grooming and playing with a dog. When those women were given cognitive tests, they scored higher after spending time with the dogs than women of the same age who did not spend time with the animals.

7. Dog Owners Have Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Aside from better heart health overall, recent data shows that dog owners generally have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those without dogs as pets. We aren’t quite sure why. But it’s possible that more exercise, less stress and stronger immune systems could contribute to a healthier heart overall.

8. Some Studies Report Dog Owners Get Better Sleep Than Others

Are dog owners healthier? We’re all aware that dogs – no matter their size – tend to be bed hogs. But a 2008 Chinese study in a journal called Social Indicators Research, broke the news that dog owners get better quality sleep than people without dogs. And in 2013, The Center for Sleep Medicine, at Scottsdale Arizona’s Mayo Clinic published similar findings. Research participants who shared their beds with a dog reported sleeping better and longer than those who slept solo. The experts concluded that it’s because the pet owners who share the bed with their furry friends were more relaxed and felt safe. Dean Koontz wrote, “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” We’re pretty sure he must sleep with his dog too.

9. Children Who Grow Up With Dogs Are Less Likely to Have Allergies and Eczema

At least one study has found that when children grow up with a dog or dogs in the house, they are less likely to suffer from allergies as they get older. Similarly, kids with a dog in the home have a reduced risk of developing eczema, a common skin irritation in children. Again, these benefits are likely due to stronger immune systems in people who own dogs.

10. Dog Owners Suffer Fewer Minor Ailments and Tend to Recover Quicker From Serious Illnesses Than Those Without a Dog

BBC News put out a study about the health benefits of owning a dog. One of the findings by Dr. Deborah Wells, a psychologist from Queens University, showed that dog owners endured less serious medical problems and minor ailments. She also cited evidence that those with canine pets have a shorter recovery time than others. After heart attacks and surgeries, people with dogs tend to be up and moving sooner than those without dogs at home. It may be that they recover quicker because they are tending to the dog and taking walks sooner. It could be that the comforting presence of the animal gives them strength and inspiration. Also, probably it helps that these same dog owners are getting a good amount of regular exercise. Staying physically fit is a good way to avoid minor illnesses and enjoy a quick recovery after major medical procedures.

Are Dog Owners Healthier? When considering the health benefits of owning a dog, it’s not just about the physical benefits but also about how it affects us internally. Although we love cats, guinea pigs, reptiles and all sorts of wonderful domestic pets, it seems dogs score the highest in terms of providing health benefits for their owners. It’s reason enough to get excited that owning a dog can help us attain lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. But when we add in the 300 minutes of exercise each week, an increased immune function and improved mental and emotional well-being, it’s no wonder more households own dogs than any other domestic pet, including cats.

So, the next time your cat-loving neighbor wants to remind you of a study that proves cat people are smarter than dog people. Just pull out this list of health benefits of owning a dog and see how smart he or she and her multiple cats look after that.

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