A new study had some unexpected findings.
Dogs with thriving social networks have improved health and wellness long term, a new Arizona State University study found.
Students at Arizona State University School of Life Sciences conducted the study by surveying more than 21,000 dog owners. They sought to learn how genes, lifestyle and environment can affect aging and disease outcomes. Dogs with thriving social networks have improved health and wellness long term, a new Arizona State University study found.Then they flagged five factors — neighborhood stability, total household income, social time with children, social time with animals, and owner age — to get a full picture on the dog’s social environment and well-being.
“We found that time with children actually had a detrimental effect on dog health,” the study’s co-author Layla Brassington told. “The more children or time that owners dedicate to their children likely leads to less time with their furry children.”