October 10th

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: owning a dog lowers risk of dying early  

Do you need another reason to add a furry friend to your family? Science proves owning a dog lowers your risk of dying early. Researchers reviewed about 70 years of global research to come to the conclusion. The research review stretched to nearly 4 million people spanning countries that range from the US to Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

All told, dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduction in all cause morality. People who had already had a stroke or heart attack had a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

This news comes in a month that is all about dog rescue. October is American Humane’s Adopt a Dog Month, the ASPCA’s Adopt a Shelter Month, and the month that OPEI hosts Lucky’s Mutt Madness at GIE+EXPO in Kentucky. Are you ready to bring a dog into your family? The TurfMutt Foundation encourages you to remember TurfMutt’s mantra, “Adopt, don’t shop.”

When you bring a dog into your pack, it’s important to make sure your yard is pet friendly. Read some tips from the TurfMutt Foundation.