Use our alphapet guide to stay well

DOGS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Ais for Allergies: Children who grow up with a dog in the house are less likely to develop asthma, according to a study in US medical journal JAMA Pediatrics. University of Dundee researchers found it also cuts the chances of food intolerances.

is for Blood pressure: Several studies have shown owning a dog can lower blood pressure, which reduces the chance of suffering a stroke.

is for Cancer: Researchers from the US found that regular exposure to a cat or dog can lower the chance of developing non-hodgkin lymphoma.

is for Dementia: Having a pet around has been shown to reduce the effects of dementia, easing anxiety and preventing isolation.

is for Eczema: A 2010 study found children exposed to dogs in early life are less likely to develop the skin condition.

is for Fitness: A study by the University of Chichester found people feel more energised after working out with a pooch than without one.

is for Going to the doctor: People who own a dog visit their doctor 15% less often than non-dog owners.

is for Heart: A Czech study found dog owners tend to have better heart health. They’re less likely to suffer a heart attack and also recover more quickly if they do have one.

is for Immune system: Researchers from Wilkes University in America found that petting a dog increased levels of antibodies, boosting immunity against illness.

is for Jogging: Canicross is the latest fitness craze, where a runner is strapped to the dog via a bungee cord. See cani-fit.com

is for Kids: Research from St George’s, University of London, showed owning a dog can help lower the risk of childhood obesity.

is for Living longer: A recent review of research found dog ownership

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DOGS are helping to keep the spirits of millions of Brits high as the coronavirus crisis continues.

And the good news is that a spot of pooch power from our much-loved furry companions can help boost our health too.

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Here, to mark National Pet Month, we reveal an A-Z of the ways we can get a lift from our canine pals… lowers your risk of dying from any cause by 24%.

is for Mental health: As well as easing loneliness, being around a dog can boost levels of feelgood chemical serotonin. In a survey, 74% of pet owners said their animals helped improve their mental health.

is for Nice: Dogs can tell when their owners are upset and make efforts to comfort them, according to scientists at Johns Hopkins University.

is for Oxytocin: All that affection from your pet has been shown to boost levels of this calming hormone, while levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop after just 10 minutes of petting a dog.

is for Pain: Visits from a dog have been found to help patients recovering from surgery – they need less pain medication.

is for Quick: Not only are dog owners more likely to go out for a walk, they tend to move faster than those who don’t have one.

MNOPQis for Risk: Having a dog at an early age has been linked to reducing the chances of developing schizophrenia. is for Smell: Dogs can be trained to sniff out prostate cancer and to recognise changes in blood sugar levels of diabetics. is for Trauma: A study in Sleep Review suggests dogs reduce the risk of nightmares. Specially-trained dogs help ease PTSD symptoms. is for Uplifting: A survey by the University of Chicago found 36% of dog owners report being “very happy”, compared to 18% of cat owners.

is for Visual: Studies show that guide dogs for the visually impaired increase confidence and mobility.

is for Weight watching: Having a canine companion means you’re likely to be 2.2lbs lighter than someone who doesn’t own one, say Italian researchers.

is for Xtra: Dog owners are four times more likely to meet recommended exercise levels than people who don’t own a pet, according to a University of Liverpool study.

is for Younger: Dog owners act 10 years younger than their age according to scientists at the University of St Andrews, as they tend to be more active and mentally fitter.

is for ZZZZS: Sharing a room with your dog can actually help you sleep better, according to a study in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

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PAWFECT: Pooches are great for workouts LEADING THE WAY: Dog owners are more likely to be fit and healthy