Cats may have nine lives, but owning a dog may extend yours, a Toronto researcher says.

A study released Tuesday suggests dog owners live longer than their canine-less counterparts, experiencing nearly a one-third lower risk of dying from heart problems.

Caroline Kramer, an endocrinologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, led the systematic review published by an American Heart Association journal.

Researchers analyzed data on more than 3.8 million people taken from 10 studies published between 1950 and 2019.

They found that dog ownership was associated with a 24 per cent risk reduction in death overall, and the risk of death due to cardiovascular-related issues dropped by 31 per cent. This gap was even more pronounced among dog owners who had survived a heart attack, whose risk of death was 65 per cent lower than non-owners.

Kramer says the results are promising, but more research is needed to prove there are health benefits to having a dog.

B次元官网网址淚t is an important paper to suggest (a link), but not to provide a definitive answer,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淢aybe itB次元官网网址檚 not the dog itself, itB次元官网网址檚 that people already have a healthier lifestyle before.B次元官网网址�

The clinician scientist noted that her teamB次元官网网址檚 analysis didnB次元官网网址檛 account for variables that may explain the difference in health outcomes between dog owners and the rest of the population.

ItB次元官网网址檚 possible that dog owners are more likely to have higher incomes, or that furry companions fit into their already active lifestyles, she said.

While itB次元官网网址檚 difficult to disentangle cause and effect without a randomized clinical trial, Kramer said thereB次元官网网址檚 research to indicate that manB次元官网网址檚 best friend may be good for your health.

In two papers, participants reported that their physical activity increased after adopting a dog. Another suggested that owning a dog helped older English adults stay fit during inclement weather.

Kramer also cited one study that found being around a cat or dog can reduce blood pressure as much as some medications, suggesting that proximity to pets can have an immediate impact on stress levels.

She said thereB次元官网网址檚 evidence that dog ownership may have other benefits for emotional health, particularly among elderly people who live alone.

Kramer has also personally experienced the positive side-effects of dog ownership in the form of her miniature schnauzer, Romeo, whom she credits with increasing her physical activity by 10,000 steps per day.

But she warned that people should consider whatB次元官网网址檚 best for themselves and the dog before running to the adoption centre in the name of improving their heart health.

B次元官网网址淚f the joy of having a dog is not there, maybe the effect is not the same,B次元官网网址� said Kramer. B次元官网网址淚f they consider all that and they have the proper lifestyle for that, I would say that maybe that itB次元官网网址檚 something that can change your life.B次元官网网址�

Adina Bresge, The Canadian Press

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