Get a Leash on Life

Dog lovers already know their favorite furry companions are special.

But it’s more than just their infectious enthusiasm and ever-wagging tails that makes them that way. In addition to providing unconditional love and loyalty, dogs can help keep their owners healthy.

For example, did you know that Fido can lower your blood pressure? Or that playing with a dog elevates levels of the calming, feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine?

According to WebMD, studies also show that heart attack patients who have pets live longer than those who don’t, and that male pet owners exhibit fewer signs of heart disease than non-pet-owners.

And then, of course, there’s the way your dog has of encouraging you to get some exercise, staring longingly at his leash by the door until you give in to those irresistible eyes.

Research has found that dog owners get more exercise on average than people with gym memberships.

Whether you take your pup for an energy-burning walk, go for a romp at the neighborhood park, or engage in a rousing game of fetch in your own backyard, a dog’s natural playfulness inspires you to get active.

So give your four-legged friend a belly rub and treat him to an extra-long walk. You’ll both reap the rewards.

A recent study offers even more compelling evidence supporting the power of puppy love.

Compared to people who don’t own dogs, dog owners in the study: