Study Proves Dog Owners Lives Healthier & Longer

If you still need a reason to give your dog an extra hug, then we have good news for you. A study of more than 3.4 million Swedes has shown that dog owners live longer. A pet appears to be extra healthy for those who have no other roommates.

The researchers at Uppsala University studied the data of all Swedish men and women aged between 40 and 80 years. They focused on 3.4 million people who had no history of cardiovascular disease in 2001 and followed their health data for 12 years. Swedish owners are obliged to register their dog and every visit to the hospital comes in a national database.

What turned out? Dog owners have a lower mortality risk due to cardiovascular diseases compared to people who do not own a dog, and they are also at less risk of dying from other causes. A dog in the home appears to be especially positive for people who live alone, this reduces the risk of premature mortality in them by 33 percent, and limits the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 11 percent.

Why are dogs healthy?

The researchers do not know why dogs are so good for the health of their owners. But they suspect that dog lovers are more active anyway and have better health. But main researcher Tove Fall says that it is also possible that a dog requires you to stay active and live healthier. “I have already met several owners who are convinced that a dog takes away the loneliness. You will also meet other dog owners during walks. ”

Another explanation is that a dog can boost the health of the owner. Previous studies have suggested that growing up with a dog may limit allergies and asthma in children. Owners also react less strongly to stress and recover from high blood pressure after a stressful event.

Fall can not say with certainty that a dog will help you live longer, but it is not a bad idea. “A pet brings a lot of joy to your home. So if you can take care of it, then buying a dog is definitely worth considering. There are several studies that show that owners get more physical activity, which can lead to a longer life. ”

How to become Healthy and Fit with your dog

Have you ever thought of your dog as a sports buddy? There is no more loyal ally. In addition, not only your health, but also your dog benefits when you move together. 5 nice suggestions for sports that you can do together with your dog.

If you want to move with your dog on a regular basis, first you need to find the right tools for to make your dog looks good as you. Join a dog salon or simply find the right tools for the job to DIY and a grooming clipper is exactly that. Once done, now its time to visit a doctor so he can check him for any heart, lung or other health problems. It is also important to have your dog checked for arthritis or musculoskeletal disorders. Do not just run out of nowhere with your dog for half an hour. Build up the duration and intensity of your joint work-out gradually and make sure you keep a regular routine. Regularity is important for your dog and forms an extra stick behind the door for yourself.

Walking with your dog

A brisk walk with your dog is the ideal form of exercise for both humans and dogs. The health benefits for you: a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, strong bones and a reduced risk of depression. In dogs, walking regularly can reduce the chance of behavioral problems. There is no fixed guideline for the length and duration a dog has to walk. It is fun to gradually work towards your goal together with your dog, gradually increasing the pace and duration of the walk. In addition to walking with your dog, other sports are possible that you can do together.

Run with your dog

Running is a good way to both lose energy and work on a good condition. Ask if your breed dog is suitable for running long distances. For example, a labrador needs more than a bulldog. Wait until your puppy is fully grown and gradually build up the roster schedule into a 30-minute round. This needs five minutes of warm-up, twenty minutes of running and five minutes of cooling down.

Try to walk as much as possible on unpaved paths and let your dog walk along at the same pace. Dogs are less high than people and therefore less visible in traffic. So let your dog walk on the side of the roadside. When you go running in the evening, it is wise to put your dog on a reflective harness or vest so that he is well aware of other traffic.

Skill training

With this sport it is the intention that your dog travels as fast and without errors as possible with a number of aircraft. The aircraft are divided into (height) jumps, interface devices, passages (such as a tunnel) and poles. You run along and guide your dog through the course through verbal and non-verbal communication. With this training you both work on your fitness, while your dog also improves his coordination.

Skating

This sport is a dangerous activity with an untrained puppy. Before you know it you roll into the bushes, because your puppy sees a bird. But skating with a lined adult dog is safe with the appropriate training. For your dog, the goal is to run next to you without drawing on the leash. You can stimulate this behavior by rewarding your dog when she runs in the right position.