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Do Dogs Make Us Healthier?

How pups can help us lower stress, improve heart health and live longer

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

Published June 07, 2026

An illustration on a blue background shows a happy woman on her hands and knees as a dog pops out of a prescription pill bottle to lick her chin, while she holds the lid open above it.

James Yates

My wife wants us to get a dog and says there are real health benefits. Is that true?

In a word, yes. Your wife is on solid ground. There’s a plethora of research, along with plenty of reported real-world experience, suggesting that dog ownership can meaningfully support health, especially as we get older. But like most things in medicine, the benefits depend on how you do it.

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Let’s start with the heart. The American Heart Association has highlighted evidence that dog ownership is associated with improved cardiovascular health. Studies have found that dog owners may have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and, in some cases, better survival rates after heart events. One analysis of studies found that people with dogs had a 24 percent lower risk of death from any cause over about 10 years, compared to those who didn’t own dogs. That’s not trivial.

Why the benefit? A big part of the answer is movement. Dogs need to be walked, whether you feel like it or not. And that’s a powerful nudge. Research shows that dog owners are significantly more likely to meet the recommended activity levels. One British study found they were four times more likely to hit daily exercise targets than non–dog owners.

Regular walking improves circulation, helps control weight, reduces blood sugar and lowers the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Even modest, consistent walking, around 20 to 30 minutes a day, can yield measurable gains over time.

But the story isn’t only physical; it’s also emotional and social. As we age, our social circles tend to shrink. I often describe life as a pyramid: When we’re young, we’re at the base, surrounded by people. Over time, we move upward, and the circle narrows. That can lead to what I call terminal loneliness, a serious health risk linked to depression, cognitive decline and even death.

Dogs help counter that in two ways. First, they provide constant companionship that is unconditional, nonjudgmental and remarkably attuned to our moods. Second, they create what I like to call a “social architecture.” Walk a dog, and suddenly you’re talking to other dog owners, even strangers who recognize your dog before they recognize you. That kind of daily low-level interaction matters more than you might think.

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There’s also measurable stress relief. Studies show that even brief interactions with a dog can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, while boosting oxytocin, the so-called “bonding hormone.” People report feeling calmer, less anxious and more connected after encounters with canines. A University of Michigan survey found that 79 percent of older adults said pets helped them reduce stress.

For older adults, these benefits can be meaningful. Research has found that pet ownership is associated with improved mood and slower cognitive decline. Therapy dog programs in long-term care facilities have shown better social interaction as well as reductions in agitation among people with dementia.

Now, a reality check, because this is where good decisions are made. The health benefits of a dog won’t come from just owning one. They come from engaging with the dog, walking, playing, caring for it. If the dog becomes sedentary and you do too, some of the benefits may fade.

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There’s also safety. I strongly advise choosing a dog that matches your current physical state , not your idealized version of yourself. A large, energetic dog can pose a fall risk, especially if your balance or strength declines over time. I’ve seen situations where a sudden pull on the leash leads to serious injury. Matching the dog to your lifestyle and your future health is essential.

Finally, consider your finances. Besides the initial costs of getting a dog, most owners spend an average of around $2,500 annually, according to the American Kennel Club. In addition, there may be emergency medical visits and/or pet insurance.

What’s the bottom line? If you choose wisely with a dog that fits your health, lifestyle and resources, the benefits can be substantial. They include more movement, less loneliness, better mood, possibly even added years.

That means your wife isn’t barking up the wrong tree. She’s making a medical suggestion. In many cases, owning a dog can be a very good prescription for a healthier life.

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