They don’t call dog man’s best friend for nothing – according to recent research, keeping a pooch around the house can actually make you look 10 years younger.

If you’ve ever had a dog or have one now, you’ve probably been reaping the benefits without even knowing it, and for those who don’t yet have a pup, here’s how getting one can help you out:

Having a dog keeps you up and moving around, whether that’s taking your dog for walks or throwing around the Frisbee, and according to Dr. Zhiqiang Feng, of St. Andrews University in Scotland, “If you have a dog in the home, your physical activity level is roughly equivalent to a person 10 years younger.”

And even though having a dog won’t necessarily add ten years onto your life, we’ll take a few less pounds around our midsections and a little more pep in our step!

But not only does having a dog make you feel younger, but also helps to fight allergies, detect cancer and low blood sugar, and help warn you in advance if you’re at risk of having a seizure.

Who could have guessed your four-legged friend would be so helpful to a two-legger like yourself?

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