The life benefits of having a dog are well established, and in most studies, better than cats or other pets, especially for the obvious reason that you have to take dogs outside. In terms of public health, the big problem isn’t that there aren’t enough people running triathlons or racing mountain bikes, it’s that people are not walking, moving and getting outside enough. Even the most laid-back dog owner will get more, every day, heart healthy exercise by simple virtue of the fact that dogs need to be walked multiple times, and I know from experience – supported by ample scientific data – that even on the coldest, rainiest days, when you might never otherwise leave your couch, having a dog gets you moving.
Source: Forbes.com Why A Dog Is Your Shortcut To A Happier, Healthier Life
