The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also supports earlier findings in humans pointing to the role of early gestational exposure to fine air particulates and increased risk of heart disease later in life.

Picture: Alex Coppel.Source:News Corp AustraliaThe odds of having a heart attack at all were 11 per cent lower in single dog owners.“A very interesting finding in our study was that dog ownership was especially prominent as a protective factor in persons living alone,” said study author Tove Fall, “which is a group reported previously to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death than those living in a multi-person household.