Stroking your beloved dog after a long day at work might feel like more than enough reason to love your pooch, but it turns out that your furry friend actually helps improve your health as well! Studies have shown that having a dog significantly improves heart health, making both you and Fido happier together. According to a statement from the American Heart Association, owning a pet is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease. Now let’s look into why that might be, shall we?
The Connecting Factors
While we truly love our pets, Glenn N. Levine, the author of the American Heart Association’s statement, raises an interesting point. He says, “It may be simply that healthier people are the ones that have pets, not that having a pet actually leads to or causes a reduction in cardiovascular risk.” Nonetheless, there are several factors that contribute to improving heart health for dog owners.
Daily Exercise
One of the most obvious benefits of owning a dog is the need for daily walks, which ensures exercise for both you and your furry companion. Dog owners have been found to be more likely to engage in physical activity in general, leading to benefits like weight loss or maintenance, improved mental health, and better circulation. Regular exercise also helps to control blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lower Blood Pressure and Improved Cholesterol
A dog’s mere presence can help lower your blood pressure, as studies suggest that interacting with dogs can lead to increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure. Additionally, pet owners have been shown to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those without pets. While scientists are still working to find a direct correlation between pet ownership and cholesterol, one possibility is that the increased physical activity from walking your dog can help improve cholesterol levels.
Stress Reduction
We’ve all felt the instant relief when seeing our dogs wagging their tails at us after a hectic day at work. Owning a dog has been linked to less stress and anxiety as they help support our emotional well-being with their unconditional love. Furthermore, studies have shown that people with dogs have a reduced reaction to stress. In high-stress situations, dog owners have lower heart rates and blood pressure levels than those without pets.
Social Benefits
Apart from all these wonderful health benefits, dogs also encourage social interaction. While walking your dog, you are more likely to meet other dog owners, increasing your number of social connections and boosting your mental health. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, making dog ownership a suitable option to combat it.
Strengthening the Immune System
Some research suggests that having a dog in your household might also boost your immune system. Dog owners are exposed to a wide range of microbiomes, which could help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma.
Dogs and Older Adults
The benefits of dog ownership are not limited to younger people. Dog ownership has also been linked to various health benefits for older adults. For example, dog owners aged 65 or older are less likely to be sedentary and have lower chances of developing disabilities. In addition, a study found that older adults who walked their dogs at least once a week were more likely to engage in physical activity than those who did not.
Choose Your Companion Wisely
While you may be ready to jump the gun and run to your nearest shelter to get a dog, it’s essential to choose the right dog for your lifestyle. Upkeep costs, exercise requirements, and compatibility with children should be considered before committing to a dog. Not all breeds might be suitable for you; for example, large active dogs may not be the best choice for older adults or those with mobility issues.
The Takeaway
Incorporating a dog into your life is not just about emotional comfort – owning a dog has physical benefits that contribute to your overall well-being. From increased exercise to reduced stress, your furry friend is there to help improve your heart health and keep you happier. So, go ahead and give your pooch some extra love today, knowing that owning them is truly beneficial in more ways than one.
