Health Benefits of Dogs: Do Dogs Keep the Doctor Away?
Owning a Dog Could Decrease Visits to the Doctor
Your dog is more than just a loving companion. He may improve your health and keep you out of the doctor’s office.
Dogs Reduce Stress
Owning a dog can reduce levels of the stress-related chemical, cortisol. Dogs also provide comfort and recovery for people suffering from trauma.
Study Illustrates the Impact Dogs Have on Health
If you have a dog, you know how comforting he can be. Now you have some science to back that up.
- A study found that dog owners visit the doctor 8% less frequently than non-owners.
- Cat owners visited even less—12% less frequently.
- Dog owners have a higher survival rate after a heart attack.
We hope this helped you understand how your dog may improve your health and help keep you out of the doctor’s office.
