Do the benefits of dog ownership on cardiovascular disease and diabetes extend to US military Veterans?

A study published in Scientific Reports finds that dog ownership reduces the risk of cardiometabolic disease among US military veterans.

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. PTSD has been found to associate with reduced cardiac contractility, cardiac ischemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Some lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet,…