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Dog Ownership and Survival:
Abstract
Background:
Dog ownership has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. Recent reports have suggested an association of dog companionship with lower blood pressure levels, improved lipid profile, and diminished sympathetic responses to stress. However, it is unclear if dog ownership is associated with improved survival as previous studies have yielded inconsistent results. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of dog ownership with all-cause mortality, with and without prior cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular mortality.
Studies published between 1950 and May 24, 2019 were identified by searching Embase and PubMed. Observational studies that evaluated baseline dog ownership and subsequent all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. We assessed pooled data using random-effects model. A possible limitation was that the analyses were not adjusted for confounders. Ten studies were included yielding data from 3 837 005 participants (530 515 events; mean follow-up 10.1 years). Dog ownership was associated with a 24% risk reduction for all-cause mortality as compared to non-ownership (relative risk, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.86) with 6 studies demonstrating significant reduction in the risk of death. Notably, in individuals with prior coronary events, living in a home with a dog was associated with an even more pronounced risk reduction for all-cause mortality (relative risk, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17–0.69; I2, 0%). Moreover, when we restricted the analyses to studies evaluating cardiovascular mortality, dog ownership conferred a 31% risk reduction for cardiovascular death (relative risk, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.67–0.71; I2, 5.1%).
Conclusions:
Dog ownership is associated with lower risk of death over the long term, which is possibly driven by a reduction in cardiovascular mortality.Conclusions:
WHAT IS KNOWN
- Dog ownership has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. A series of studies has suggested associations of dog ownership with lower blood pressure levels, improved lipid profile, and diminished sympathetic responses to stress.
- The evidence regarding dog ownership and mortality has yielded conflicting results. Whereas the association between dog ownership and mortality has been explored since the 1980s, living in a home with a dog has been associated with improved survival in some studies with others arguing a neutral effect.
WHAT THE STUDY ADDS
- Pooling the data of 3 837 005 participants, dog ownership was associated with a 24% risk reduction for all-cause mortality as compared to non-ownership (relative risk, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.86).
- In analyses of studies evaluating cardiovascular mortality, dog ownership conferred a 31% risk reduction for cardiovascular death (relative risk, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.67–0.71; I2, 5.1%).
- Dog ownership is associated with lower risk of death over the long term, which is possibly driven by a reduction in cardiovascular mortality. These results hold implications for future studies on lifestyle interventions.
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Image credit: Brian Muccioli
22 comments:
If you haven't got a dog just go for a walk.
Sally
I do think owning a cat or dog can be very beneficial...in more ways than one.
...perhaps.
I think it is pet ownership more generally which has some well documented health positives.
Being a dog person (we have 2 right now), I can say that they make you smile and laugh so much that that has been be a huge positive impact on your health. And since you have to walk them, you get exercise too. Thanks for this super article. I can't image life without a dog, and hope I never have to be without one.
Great! It's a good news :)
Plus a wagging tail cheers you up.
Aww, this is great!
I concur. Although I am now strictly a cat owner, I have had dogs in the past. And they definitely have a calming effect.
Dogs are indeed wonderful companions. Valerie
I wouldn't want to be without my doggy.
I love dogs! They are loyal and wonderful companion..
Even if you don't live longer, the life lived will be richer.
I would agree, but I think that cats can equally calm and sooth a person and bring down stress. At least, that's always been my experience.
Dogs are the BEST!
We love ours.
I think the same goes for a cat. Soothes your heart and soul. After that everything else should fall in place!
Interesante reportaje. Un beso.
Fantastic post!! Woof Woof ;-)
Love my dog a chocolate pure bred labrador, he is the most adorable and loving pup..only 7 mths old and has given me many a scratch playing but he will outgrow that and will be a wonderful companion.Lost our other girl at the age of 10yrs to pancreatic cancer, she was the best labrador companion ever...thanks for this wonderful post. AND my BP was high now reduced to a good level. ♥
Good article. Dogs have the double benefit of being loving companions and encouraging exercise, possibly making them the best pets for improving your health.
Hello,
I enjoyed this post. I have read dogs are good for your health. I agree, they make me happy! Enjoy your day!
pets are great source of pleasure always indeed but there always involved risks having them and i read it when i was in my school
wishing you a great week filled with joy dear Jan!
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