There are a lot of upsides to having a dog, but according to a new Swedish study, it could actually be saving your life. The research shows dog ownership is linked to a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and death.
For people who live alone, being a dog owner can lower risk of death by 33% compared to singles without a pet. And chances of a heart attack were 11% lower as well. The idea is that being the only person who walks and interacts with the dog gets people moving more, which is good for their cardiovascular health. Having a dog can lower stress levels, too, which is always a good thing.