Abstract
Living with a canine companion is postulated to increase physical activity. We test the hypotheses that adults living with a canine companion have a higher level of physical activity and reduced mortality risk compared to those not living with a companion animal. A U.S. national health survey with longitudinal mortality follow-up studied 11,394 American men and women aged 40 years and over examined in 1988–1994 followed an average 8.5 years. Measurements at baseline included self-reported companion animals in the household, socio-demographics, health status, physical and biochemical measurements. Outcome measures were leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and death from all causes. Death during follow-up occurred in 3,187 persons. In bivariate cross-sectional analyses living with a dog was associated with more frequent LTPA and higher survival. In proportional hazards regression analysis, no significant interaction of age, gender or ethnicity with animals was found. After adjusting for confounding by baseline socio-demographics and health status at ages 40+, the hazards ratio (95% confidence limits) for living with a canine companion compared to no animals was 1.21(1.04–1.41, p < 0.001). After also controlling for health behaviors, blood pressure and body mass, C-reactive protein and HDL-cholesterol, the HR was 1.19 (0.97–1.47, NS). In a nationwide cohort of American adults, analyses demonstrated no lower risk of death independent of confounders among those living with canine or feline companions, despite positive association of canine companions with LTPA.
Highlights
Living in a home with a dog or other animal is highly prevalent in the U.S and U.K
In a nationwide cohort of American adults, analyses demonstrated no lower risk of death independent of confounders among those living with canine or feline companions, despite positive association of canine companions with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA)
The present study sought to test the following hypotheses: (1) living with canine companion animals is associated with increased leisure time physical activity (LTPA); (2) living with companion animals is associated with reduced risk of death in subsequent years
Summary
Living in a home with a dog or other animal is highly prevalent in the U.S and U.K. The. Two studies have been published suggesting that dog owners had lower mortality risks following acute myocardial infarction, but the number of deaths was small, data on physical activity were unavailable and the studies were not population-based [2,3]. Two studies of population-based Australian samples failed to replicate the former finding or demonstrate effects on self-reported physical or mental health [6,7,8]. Few population-based studies have assessed the impact of dog ownership on owners’ physical activity, existing data suggest an increase [9]. The significant associations with mortality post myocardial infarction could not be explained by controlling for socioeconomic status, results for physical health outcomes need to be replicated in larger, population-based samples [2,3,7,8]. The present study sought to test the following hypotheses: (1) living with canine companion animals is associated with increased leisure time physical activity (LTPA); (2) living with companion animals is associated with reduced risk of death in subsequent years
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