Dogs help you live longer, scientists say

Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but also may be the key to living a longer life, according to new study.

Combining patient data of 3.8 million people from multiple studies, including the UK, researchers found owning a dog can lead to better cardiovascular outcomes, especially for heart attack and stroke survivors who live alone.

Scientists at the American Heart Association say that compared to those without a pet dog, owners experienced a 24 per cent reduced risk of all-cause mortality and are 65 per cent less likely to die after a heart attack.

Those who had suffered cardiovascular-related issues were also 31 per cent less likely to pass away.

The study was published in the Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal.