It turns out, dogs are good for you

The Times had some (not at all) surprising news yesterday:

Studies show that having a pet is associated with lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower rates of death after a heart attack or stroke. And a large review of studies published in 2019 found that owning a dog was associated with a 24 percent lower risk of dying from all causes over the course of 10 years.

The benefit is so striking when it comes to heart health that the American Heart Association even has a scientific statement devoted to it, declaring that dog ownership “may be reasonable for reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.” (The organization doesn’t advise getting a dog for the sole purpose of heart health, though.)

Experts think one potential explanation for the health benefits is that people who own dogs tend to be more physically active than those who don’t.

Or the health benefits of pet ownership may simply be an effect of demographics. Dog owners tend to be younger and richer than non-owners, characteristics that correspond with better health. In one large meta-analysis, when things like age, income and health behaviors such as smoking were factored into the statistical analyses, many health benefits of dog ownership disappeared.

So, don't smoke and adopt a dog. It worked for me! (And for Cassie.)