Could it be that a dog is not just your best friend, but your best indicator for maintaining a healthy heart? A study that has been in progress under the guidance of the Mayo Clinic since 2013 suggests a clear link between dogs as pets and their owners’ cardiovascular health.
Well, it seems that dog owners get more physical activity than people who own other types of pets.
The research, which will continue until 2030, follows 1,769 adults in the Czech Republic. At the start of the study, the ages of the subjects ranged from 25 to 64. Among these adults, 24% own dogs, while 42% report owning some pet, but not necessarily a dog. Who wins for heart health? To date, it has been the dog owners, researchers say. What’s going on? Well, it seems that dog owners get more physical activity than people who own other types of pets. In the study, people who own dogs also report healthier diets and, as a result, the dog owners are more likely to report desirable blood sugar levels. Spiking or consistently high blood sugar levels are a known factor in many ailments, and heart disease tops the list. So next time your dog insists on another walk around the neighbourhood, remember, it’ll do your heart good!
