How can dogs improve your heart health?
Stanley Hessel
2025-08-01 14:18:05
Count answers
: 15
Owning a pet, particularly a dog, can decrease cardiovascular risk. If you own a dog, you are very likely to be more active than a non-dog owner and there is a higher chance that you are achieving the recommended amount of physical exercise to keep you healthy. Walking with your dog can result in weight loss, which is good for cardiovascular health. Recent research has shown that owning a pet can lower your blood pressure. This is thought to be because when you ‘pet’ your dog or cat, the act of stroking the animal, of physical touch, or just having them sit next to you or even look at you adoringly, releases oxytocin. Owning a dog, cat or other pet helps people feel less isolated as a pet can make an excellent companion. This relationship promotes a sense of belonging and responsibility which is good for self-esteem, lowering blood pressure and overall well-being. Owning a pet can help you to be more mindful, to be present in the moment. This wards off anxiety and negative thinking and can bring a sense of peace. Once again this helps with lowering blood pressure and is also thought to help reduce cholesterol levels.
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