You may not think so when you get a heart-stopping veterinarian bill — or when all your dog does is laze on the couch and watch TV with you — but dog ownership actually can provide a variety of health benefits.
Anecdotal and scientific evidence have shown that dog owners tend to be healthier than the average person. Here are seven ways that living with a dog might keep you healthy.

Maria is our expert for medicine, fitness and general health. Her contributions are particularly convincing through completeness, accuracy and her own personal experience. Maria also writes for other health magazines, which has enabled her to build up her expert status.