Klara Smedberg, PhD student at the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry at SLU, investigates the connections between urban forests, health and urban planning, including dog ownership from a One Health perspective.

Previous research has shown a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease in dog owners, but the reasons behind this are not completely clarified. Is it because the dog provides social support and reduces stress in their owner? Or because dog owners are more physically active than people without dogs, and spend more time outdoors? The survey study Survey your moves – with focus on urban green spaces maps lifestyle habits, health and well-being in Swedish dog owners and their dogs, with the aim of finding out more about health benefits associated with dog ownership and the importance of urban green spaces for habits of physical activity in dog owners.