The review of the health benefits of a canine done by the American Heart Association analyzed research and surveyed  4 million people in the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom and found that dogs will help you live longer in terms of dying from health issues. They also found that an even bigger benefit for people who had already had a heart attack, stroke, or any other heart related issue had the percentage rise to 31%. One study found just the effect of petting a dog can lower your overall blood pressure just as much as a medication! Heart attacks and stroke are the leading causes of death across the entire world, according to the World Health Organization. 

The health benefits were highest for dog owners who lived alone. Dogs provide companionship and affection that might lower anxiety and depression and it is  proven that loneliness and social isolation are strong risk factors for an early death. According to the CDC, dogs influence social, emotional and brain development in kids and promote an active lifestyle, also have even been able to detect oncoming seizures or the presence of certain cancers. “Single owners have to do all the dog walks and we know that physical activity is important in rehabilitation after a heart attack or stroke,” said Tove Fall, a professor of epidemiology at Uppsala University. Recently, hospitals have begun using therapy dogs for cardiac patients. Which further proves the point that dogs have numerous health benefits and they will help you live a longer life. 

In conclusion studies all around the world prove that dogs have numerous health benefits both mentally and physically.