Sex is great and all, but let’s face it, it’s not the be all and end all… As it turns out, owning a pet is better for your health than sex.

An NHS study of 3,000 people aged 57-75 suggests that those having sex at least twice per week had stronger general health. Though plenty of medical investigations prove the significant benefits of active human intimacy, a new nationwide study by Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, Simon Wheeler, reveals that interacting with dogs is in fact 19% more enjoyable for people than sex.

When you think about coming home after a long day of work and being greeted by an enthusiastic, tail-wagging pup, you can see how these stats are true. Psychiatrist Aaron Katcher of the University of Pennsylvania found that interacting with a friendly dog reduces blood pressure, calms heart rate, regulates breathing and relaxes muscle tension. Sex, on the other hand, increases all of these.

Isn’t it nice to know that a little affection from your pet will benefit your wellbeing when sex is the last thing on your mind?

For more health advice and guides, head over to our website Health section. It’s not only dogs that are good for your health – cats love us just as much!