Dogs Are Great for Your Health. But There’s a Little-Known Risk of Owning One

The health benefits of having a pet — especially a dog — are well-established. Dog owners have been shown to live longer, healthier lives than people without pups, in part because caring for a dog encourages physical activity. And pets of all types have been shown to lower their owners' stress levels and improve their mental health.

But a new research letter published in JAMA offers a look at a potential downside of pet ownership.

The health benefits of having a pet — especially a dog — are well-established. Dog owners have been shown to live longer, healthier lives than people without pups, in part because caring for a dog encourages physical activity. And pets of all types have been shown to lower their owners' stress levels and improve their mental health. But a new research letter published in JAMA offers a look at a potential downside of pet ownership.