If you have a dog, here’s one more reason to love him. If you don’t, here’s one more reason to find your forever friend.

Scientists say having a dog is good for your heart health!

“Those who own a pet, particularly a dog, were healthier from a cardiovascular standpoint,” said Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, author of a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality and Outcomes.

The study looked at 1,800 people with no history of heart disease and scored them based on Life’s Simple 7 from the American Heart Association: body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, blood glucose and total cholesterol.

The study found that people with pets had better cardiovascular health. People with dogs had the best of all. Pet owners got more physical activity, had better diets and lower blood sugar levels.

The heart association has said that owning a dog increases physical activity and engagement while lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These are all important challenges for millions of people over 50.

The AARP gathered previous reports showing dog owners have a lower risk of high blood pressure and are more likely to survive a heart attack. Having a dog lowers stress and depression and even eases pain. Just looking at a furry friend produces endorphins, our natural painkillers.

So, if you don’t have a pet, particularly a pooch, consider adopting one.