Dog owners have less stress in their lives

Survey shows dog owners are happier

More than 87 per cent of pet owners in Scotland believe having a dog can help to bring stress levels down.

In fact, research, conducted this year by manufacturer of pet supplements Lintbells, found that on average dog owners in Scotland are less stressed and happier in life because of their pet.

With almost a quarter of households in the UK now owning a dog, the study found that dog owners are happier, more satisfied at work and more sociable than people without a pooch. Some 83 per cent of people in Scotland now consider their dog to be an integral part of their family.

The national study, of 1,000 dog owners and 1,000 adults without a dog, found 80 per cent with a dog are ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ with their life overall, compared to just 70 per cent of people without a four-legged friend.

In addition the research found that people with no dog spend longer watching TV and less time outdoors.

In fact, it was discovered people without a pooch watch 14 hours more TV a month, averaging an extra 3.5 hours per week, than those with a four-legged friend.