Dogs and cats are more than companions—they’re partners in health. Scientific research confirms what pet parents already know: our furry friends not only fill our lives with love and joy but also provide measurable benefits for our mental, physical, and cardiovascular health.
Pets and Heart Health
Research highlights a strong connection between pet ownership and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The companionship and unconditional love provided by pets reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease cholesterol levels.
- Stress reduction: Pet interactions increase oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which lowers stress and creates feelings of comfort.
- Physical activity: Walking and playing with pets increase endorphins, promoting both happiness and cardiac health.
- American Heart Association (AHA) findings: AHA research suggests that pet ownership—especially dog parenting—is likely associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
How Pets Support Heart Health
Positive human-animal interactions trigger physiological changes that benefit both humans and pets. These include:
- Hormone regulation: Reduced cortisol (stress hormone), and increased oxytocin, dopamine, prolactin, and endorphins.
- Cardiovascular benefits: Lower heart rate, regulated blood pressure, calmer breathing, and enhanced resilience to stress.
- Bonding effects: Oxytocin release fosters emotional connection while simultaneously protecting heart health.
Pets and Physical Health
Pets are natural motivators, inspiring us to stay active and healthy.
- Dog walking: Pet parents are four times more likely to meet weekly physical activity guidelines compared to non-pet owners.
- Weight management: Dog walkers are significantly less likely to be obese.
- Healthy aging: Older adults with dogs or cats experience slower declines in physical function, gait speed, and overall well-being.
Pets and Cardiovascular Disease
Beyond prevention, pets also play a role in recovery.
- Improved survival rates: A Swedish study of 300,000 patients showed dog parents had better survival outcomes following heart attacks and strokes.
- Cats and cardiovascular health: Cat parents also exhibit lower risks of death from heart disease and stroke, potentially due to the calming and affectionate nature of cats.
- Buffering effect: Pets serve as social support systems, helping people cope with stress, recover faster, and find a sense of purpose.
Benefits Without Pet Ownership
Not everyone can have a pet at home, but alternative options offer similar benefits.
- Therapy animals: Interacting with therapy dogs or cats increases oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
- Animal-assisted therapy: Helps patients in hospitals, residents in nursing homes, and even students under academic stress.
- Volunteering: Animal shelters provide opportunities to walk dogs, socialize puppies, and interact with cats, offering health benefits while helping animals in need.
Humans Help Pets Stay Healthy, Too
The human-animal bond is reciprocal. Just as pets improve our health, we are responsible for their well-being.
- Shared benefits: Petting a dog boosts bonding hormones in both humans and animals.
- Essential care: Regular exercise, play, proper diet, and veterinary visits keep pets healthy.
- Stronger bond: Caring for pets deepens emotional connections while promoting mutual health benefits.
Pets enrich our lives with unconditional love and joy, but they also offer powerful health benefits—from lowering stress and blood pressure to improving survival after serious heart events.
Whether through direct ownership, therapy programs, or volunteering, the human-animal bond plays a vital role in heart health and overall well-being.
