If you are a dog owner, I know that you know the very next piece of information I'm going to give you.
YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.
You read that right. YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.
A study published three years ago by Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, suggests "owning a dog is linked with living longer." The data reviewed studies published between 1950 and May 2019 that evaluated dog ownership and its association to mortality. The research included 10 studies that yielded data from more than 3 million participants. (~Source: USA Today)
CONCLUSION: Dog owners were likely to live longer than those who didn’t have dogs.
BOOM!
Dog owners had a 24% risk reduction for death from ANY CAUSE, according to the study. For people with heart problems, living with a dog had an even greater benefit.
YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.
You read that right. YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.
A study published three years ago by Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, suggests "owning a dog is linked with living longer." The data reviewed studies published between 1950 and May 2019 that evaluated dog ownership and its association to mortality. The research included 10 studies that yielded data from more than 3 million participants. (~Source: USA Today)
CONCLUSION: Dog owners were likely to live longer than those who didn’t have dogs.
BOOM!
Dog owners had a 24% risk reduction for death from ANY CAUSE, according to the study. For people with heart problems, living with a dog had an even greater benefit.
Fresh air and a walk or hike can be great for heart health.
Walking Your Way to a Longer Life
It's no secret that dog owners are more active, no matter their age or the age of their dogs. Walking a dog 20-30 minutes a day, follow the guidelines put out by the American Heart Association--moderate physical activity for 150 hours per week.
Dog ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a better sense of well-being.
The companionship offered by owning a dog, or any pet for that matter, promotes positive physical and psychological health in humans.
It's no secret that dog owners are more active, no matter their age or the age of their dogs. Walking a dog 20-30 minutes a day, follow the guidelines put out by the American Heart Association--moderate physical activity for 150 hours per week.
Dog ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a better sense of well-being.
The companionship offered by owning a dog, or any pet for that matter, promotes positive physical and psychological health in humans.
My husband and our dog Danny enjoying a crisp pre-winter day.
The simple act of petting an animal leads to reduced stress and relaxation. Both owner and pet release oxytocin, promoting a sense of calmness.
Working Dog Parents
If you are a working dog parent or parents, you don't have to do it all on your own. Sometimes people feel they can't devote enough time to a dog because of the daily grind, but a typical work day is 8 hours and there are still 16 hours left.
There are a growing number of services available for dog parents. Dog walkers, pet sitters, doggie daycares, groomers and mobile vets are all at your disposal – do your homework to ensure you get people who will care for your dog like their own.
And there are plenty of non-puppy types looking for a home at your local shelter or through a reputable rescue. An older, more sedate dog is totally willing to put up with your 8 hour shift, as long as they get to be a part of your life.
Working Dog Parents
If you are a working dog parent or parents, you don't have to do it all on your own. Sometimes people feel they can't devote enough time to a dog because of the daily grind, but a typical work day is 8 hours and there are still 16 hours left.
There are a growing number of services available for dog parents. Dog walkers, pet sitters, doggie daycares, groomers and mobile vets are all at your disposal – do your homework to ensure you get people who will care for your dog like their own.
And there are plenty of non-puppy types looking for a home at your local shelter or through a reputable rescue. An older, more sedate dog is totally willing to put up with your 8 hour shift, as long as they get to be a part of your life.
An owner and her dog enjoying lap time at the park.
Dogs and Yoga
I discovered a group that dedicates its mission to helping rescues through Yoga. Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses is known as a socially-conscious fundraising organization that raises money and awareness for animal rescue groups by coordinating unique and incredibly fun yoga events with local businesses and studios. You can learn more about them by clicking on their name above. (~Source: DNYP website)
I am hoping to get one of our Yoga studios, locally, to organize an event with DNYP. Just think how much fun THAT would be!
Self-care takes on many aspects, and can be different things to different people. To me, a day in the woods with a dog, or a nice park walk on a beautiful afternoon, recharges my spirit and adds value to my life. Apparently, it also lengthens it.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (self-care), start here with Syracuse photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, as she shares 5 tips to recharge your spirit, while spending time with your dog.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here.
Enjoy! Have a great weekend!
I discovered a group that dedicates its mission to helping rescues through Yoga. Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses is known as a socially-conscious fundraising organization that raises money and awareness for animal rescue groups by coordinating unique and incredibly fun yoga events with local businesses and studios. You can learn more about them by clicking on their name above. (~Source: DNYP website)
I am hoping to get one of our Yoga studios, locally, to organize an event with DNYP. Just think how much fun THAT would be!
Self-care takes on many aspects, and can be different things to different people. To me, a day in the woods with a dog, or a nice park walk on a beautiful afternoon, recharges my spirit and adds value to my life. Apparently, it also lengthens it.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (self-care), start here with Syracuse photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, as she shares 5 tips to recharge your spirit, while spending time with your dog.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here.
Enjoy! Have a great weekend!
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