Owning a pet can help maintain a healthy heart, especially if that pet is a dog, according to the first analysis of a new study. The study examines the association of pet ownership — especially dogs — with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular health.
The study first established basic health and socioeconomic information on more than 2,000 subjects in the city of Brno, Czech Republic, from January 2013 to December 2014. Follow-up evaluations are planned at five-year intervals until 2030.
In its 2019 review, the study looked at 1,769 individuals with no history of heart disease and scored 7 ideal health behaviors and factors based on Life's Simple, as outlined by the American Heart Association:body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, blood glucose and total cholesterol.
The study compared the cardiovascular health scores of pet owners in general with those who had no pets. It then compared dog owners to other pet owners and those who did not own pets.
“Overall, people who owned a pet were more likely to report increased physical activity, diet and blood sugar levels,” said the researcher. “The greatest benefits of having a pet were for those who owned a dog, regardless of their age, gender, and level of education.”
The study shows a link between dog ownership and heart health, which is in line with the American Heart Association's scientific statement on the benefits of owning a dog in terms of physical activity, engagement and reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. .
