Your furry friend helps you live longer

PATNA: Tired of convincing your parents to let you keep a dog at home? No worries! It turns out that your furry friend may help you live longer and healthier.

A 12-year-long Swedish study, published in online journal ‘Scientific Reports’ last week, points out that dog ownership is linked to a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

According to a CNN report,

Uppsala University

scientists examined the national registry documents of 3.4 million individuals in the age group of 40 to 80 years and analysed the connection between dogs and longevity. Since everything — from dog ownership to a hospital visit — has a unique identification number in the north European country, the researchers were able to compare the lives of Swedes with and without a canine companion.

A growing body of research shows that patients, who are happy, have emotional support and are less stressed, usually have a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Patna-based veterinarian Dr Vikas Sharma says, “Your dog prompts you to stay active and adopt a healthier lifestyle. No matter how little time you have, you do take your pet out for a stroll regularly. This ups physical activity, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces feelings of isolation, lifts your mood and wards off allergies.”

Your pooch also exposes you to germs and dirt and boosts your immune system, Dr Sharma said on Saturday and added that kids, who grew up with dogs in the house, generally had a reduced risk of asthma.

The Swedish study also suggests that living with dogs can reduce the owners’ risk of death, but to different extents. Single Swedes were found to have reaped the maximum health benefits opposed to big families with dogs. They witnessed a 33% lower risk of death and an 11% reduced chance of heart attacks.

Vet Sharma said, “I may not be able to explain the study and its results, but it is possible that those who live alone benefit more because they are the only ones walking and interacting with their dogs. They are likely to have a stronger emotional bond with their furry friends.”

Told about the health benefits of living with hunting breeds, Boring Road resident Anubha Ashok was not surprised. She said, “Labradors usually need more exercise than other dogs. My pet Google is my perfect jogging partner. When bored, we usually head out on a long walk.”

Vicenarian Nikhila Singh, who once owned a German Shepherd, nodded. “Few years ago, whenever I was introduced to a new person, I tried talking about pets to break the ice. It may sound a little awkward, but even today I instantly get along well with dog lovers because we have so much to discuss and share with each other,” she told TOI.

The Swedish research, however, is not devoid of limitations, CNN reported. It provides “strong evidence for the health benefits of dogs”, but does not answer why “specific breeds” seem to offer more protection.

“We have a diverse population as well as different climates, lifestyles and eating habits. Don’t you think we need a local study, instead of generalizing the results of a research conducted in a European nation?” asked Dr Sharma.