People who own pets live longer, studies show

If you own a pet, particularly a dog, you are likely to be healthier and live longer than your pet-free friends. That’s according to many studies over the years. It’s become such a phenomenon that the American Heart Association has even listed dog ownership as a way to reduce cardiovascular disease. The question has always been, though, if there is actually a direct relationship between owning a dog and living longer, or if the kinds of people who own dogs are simply healthier already. Sure, walking a dog gets you some good exercise, but studies haven’t shown any difference between people who walk dogs and people who are simply more active. Plus, several studies show owning a cat can actually reduce the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. So, the takeaway: There’s something about caring for an animal that is good for you.