Want to Improve Your Health in the New Year? 10 Ways Getting a Dog May Help
December 19th 2025
Thinking about improving your health this New Year? Research shows dog ownership may boost heart health, reduce stress, lower disease risk, and help you live longer. Here are 10 science-backed reasons a dog could support your health goals.
If improving your health made the list of New Year’s resolutions this year, you might want to consider getting a dog. While diet plans and gym memberships often top the list, one of the most powerful lifestyle changes may come with four legs and a wagging tail.
Dog ownership is not just about companionship. A growing body of research shows that dogs can support physical health, mental well-being, and even longevity. Below are ten science-backed ways having a dog may help you build a healthier year ahead.
1. Lower Risk of Dementia
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine Reports found that dog owners over the age of 65 were 40 percent less likely to develop dementia compared to non-dog owners. Researchers believe the combination of daily routines, mental stimulation, physical movement, and social interaction plays a key role in protecting cognitive health.
2. Longer Life Expectancy
Dog ownership has been linked to living longer. A 2019 analysis of nearly four million people across the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom found a 24 percent reduction in early death from any cause among dog owners.
For individuals who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke, the benefits were even stronger. Dog owners in this group were 31 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
3. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A 2016 Helsinki Health Study showed that people who regularly walk their dogs reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about one-third compared to those without dogs. Regular walking helps with weight management, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports better blood sugar control.
4. Improved Heart Health
A 2024 study published in Circulation: The Journal of the American Heart Association found that dog ownership is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Dogs encourage daily movement and help reduce stress, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
5. Stress Reduction and Better Mental Health
Research from the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2024 confirmed what many dog owners already know. Interacting with dogs lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and happiness. The effects are immediate. Spending time with a dog can help reduce anxiety, ease symptoms of depression, and improve overall mood within minutes.
6. Increased Physical Activity
A 2024 study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that dog owners consistently get more exercise than people without pets. Daily walks, playtime, and outdoor activities contribute to better fitness levels and a lower risk of obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes.
7. Stronger Immune System
A 2024 study published in Pediatrics showed that children who grow up with dogs often develop stronger immune systems. Early exposure to dogs was linked to lower rates of allergies, asthma, and certain autoimmune conditions.
8. Better Social Interaction
Dog ownership naturally encourages social connection. A 2024 study in Social Science and Medicine found that people with dogs are more likely to interact with neighbors, participate in outdoor activities, and report higher levels of social support. Strong social ties are closely linked to better mental health and overall well-being.
9. Therapeutic Benefits for Seniors
Research published in Gerontology in 2024 found that dogs provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness in older adults. Seniors with dogs showed lower rates of depression and better cognitive function, likely due to companionship, routine, and a sense of purpose.
10. Improved Sleep Quality
A 2024 study in Sleep Health revealed that having a dog in the bedroom can improve sleep quality. Participants reported feeling safer and more relaxed, leading to more restful and consistent sleep cycles.
Start the New Year With Better Health for You and Your Pet.
If you are thinking about adding a dog to your life or already have one, supporting your pet’s health is just as important as supporting your own. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help keep your pet healthy at every stage of life.
Call us today to make an appointment. This January, we are launching our new pet portal, where you can request appointments, access records, and manage your pet’s healthcare from one easy place. A healthier year for you can start with a healthier plan for your pet.