Can Dog Health Improve Through Human Companionship?

Dog health can be influenced by more than food, exercise, and veterinary care. Dogs can motivate you to take a walk and provide companionship in times of hardship, but do they actually help humans feel better, or is this just wishful thinking? Scientific research indicates that there is indeed some link, although mostly when it comes to heart health.

How Dog Health Connects With Heart Health

One of the most researched topics related to companion animals includes cardiovascular issues. A study conducted back in 1980 discovered that people owning pets after having suffered a heart attack were less prone to dying of cardiovascular problems in comparison to non-pet owners.

Subsequent studies were done in order to investigate this relationship. In 1992, studies carried out by Monash University on more than 5,700 subjects revealed that pet owners had lower systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-pet owners. Their socioeconomic statuses were also generally similar.

What Research Says About Dog Ownership

Later, the American Heart Association analyzed all the existing evidence and concluded that having a dog as a pet is quite a legitimate reason to reduce heart disease risks. Nevertheless, it does not mean having a pet prevents heart disease.

Potential benefits linked with dog ownership include:

• Promoting exercise through daily walking
• Providing social company and psychological support
• Facilitating social interactions
• Helping to establish a routine in life
• Consequently leading to improved heart health

However, these findings do not mean that every dog owner will automatically experience better health.

Why Scientists Remain Cautious About Dog Health

Dog ownership has been shown to improve survival rates in studies that have been done recently. Studies in various locations and countries have yielded the same results. However, scientists are careful to avoid making assumptions about cause and effect regarding these studies.

There are several other aspects that could play a role in the findings. Owners of dogs tend to be younger, richer, better educated, and are more likely to be married. These individuals are less likely to smoke, suffer from diabetes, and be obese.

There is also a possibility that healthier people are simply more likely to own dogs.

Dogs Offer More Than Health Benefits

Whereas research may not be able to promise health benefits from having dogs, the pets can serve as companions that bring some structure to life. Going out with your dog is one way to ensure you are getting exercise.

It follows that individuals should embrace a dog because they are ready for long-term commitment and not simply for their health benefits.

Protect Your Dog With Petsfolio Pet Insurance

It is about taking care of your dog and being prepared to deal with any emergencies that could occur. In this case, Petsfolio Pet Insurance would be an ideal choice to help pet owners take care of their medical bills.

Select Petsfolio Pet Insurance for your dog and provide them with an extra layer of protection.

References Link: Dog health problem