ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Good news if you have some furry friends, Mayo Clinic says that having a dog is associated with better cardiovascular health.
Mayo Clinic research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes shows that owning a pet, especially a dog, may help maintain a healthy heart.
The study compared the cardiovascular health of pet owners versus non-pet owners. It also compared dog owners to general pet owners and non-pet owners.
People who owned a pet were more likely to report physical activity, a better diet, and a more ideal blood sugar.
The research shows the greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog. Having a pet may be a potential strategy to improve your health as long as it leads to a more active lifestyle. Owning a dog also has been linked to better mental health and less perception of social isolation.