Do You own a Dog? It Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease! What about Cats?
The science on owning a pet!
As a passionate dog lover and owner, you’ve probably noticed from my Instagram that Theo, my dog, is always by my side. Recently, I’ve wanted to explore the benefits that dogs bring to our physical and mental well-being. With an aging population, it’s crucial to find ways to enhance life quality and health. Our goal is for people to live long, fulfilling lives with fewer health issues, right?! So, is a good solution to get a dog? The answer to that is of course not to get a dog only for health reasons, but we also know, that owning a dog has long been known to bring joy and companionship. Is also a big responsibility, but even that fact, is what keeps us busy and thriving.
Today, we will explore the science behind how man's best friend can help improve our heart health and why adding a four-legged member to your family may be just what the doctor ordered.
The Link Between Owning a Dog and Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, studies have shown that dog owners may have a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those without canine companions.
So, how exactly does owning a dog help our hearts?
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Increase Fitness Levels
Your cardiovascular health is directly linked to your level of physical activity. Owning a dog often means daily walks and playtime, which can significantly increase your fitness levels. This can lead to lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
One study by Jesus S. and colleagues explored the likelihood of achieving a healthy level of moderate-intensity physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) by dog walking. These studies aimed to determine if regular dog walking could contribute to reaching recommended levels of physical activity for adults. With sedentary lifestyles becoming increasingly prevalent, finding ways to incorporate physical activity into daily routines is crucial for maintaining good health.
The researchers found that dog owners who walked their dogs were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve this physical activity level than non-dog walkers. They specifically looked for studies that included information on moderate-intensity physical activity achieved by dog walking.
Out of the 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria, data was gathered from 6980 adult dog owners. Of these individuals, 63.9% reported walking their dogs regularly. Based on weekly physical activity levels, 60.7% of dog walkers achieved at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that regular dog walking can significantly contribute to achieving recommended levels of physical activity for adults. This means that dog owners who regularly walk their dogs may have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other health issues related to sedentary lifestyles.
These studies suggest that owning a dog can significantly increase physical activity levels and improve overall fitness and health. So next time your furry friend begs for a walk, remember that it's beneficial for them and your well-being.
Relieves Stress
High levels of stress can negatively impact our physical and mental health, including our hearts. However, studies have shown that being around dogs can help reduce stress levels. Interacting with our canine companions can increase oxytocin levels, also known as the "love hormone," and decrease cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
A study by Naoko K. and colleagues examined the effects of a dog-assisted intervention on inmates in a Japanese prison. The program involved trained pet dogs and their handlers interacting with groups of inmates with psychiatric and developmental disorders.
They assessed the participants' stress levels by measuring their salivary cortisol concentrations before and after each session. Inmates were also asked to fill out a questionnaire about their mood before and after each session while the handlers evaluated the quality of interaction between themselves and the inmates.
Results showed that most inmates experienced a decrease in cortisol levels after participating in the sessions. This was especially true for those who were diagnosed with only psychiatric disorders, were aware of their improved mood, and were evaluated by the handlers as having interacted well during the sessions.
This suggests that the program was effective in reducing stress levels among inmates with psychiatric disorders and highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and self-awareness. Inmates who experienced only a medium change in mood also showed a decrease in cortisol levels. This indicates that those without significant mood changes can still benefit from participating in such programs.
These findings suggest that dog-assisted interventions can be an effective way to reduce stress levels among inmates, particularly those with psychiatric disorders. By providing feedback on their salivary cortisol levels, inmates may better understand their psychophysical state, leading to more effective stress management.
This study cements the idea that dogs truly are man's best friend. It shows how they can play a valuable role in promoting heart health by reducing stress levels.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Hypertension/ high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It can lead to damage to blood vessels, heart failure, and stroke. That's why finding ways to manage and reduce blood pressure levels is essential. Owning a dog is one way to do that.
A study by Pamela Erika F. explored the impact of pet ownership on the blood pressure levels of older adults with pre- to mild hypertension.
Just for clarification a normal blood pressure is 110-120/80 mmHg.
The study involved 32 participants aged 50-83 years with medication who had a blood pressure range between 120-150/80-100 mmHg or lower than 150/100 mmHg. These individuals owned dogs or cats and were living independently. Their ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was recorded every 20 minutes throughout one day at three different periods: study entry, one month, and three months. Activity monitors and diaries were used to track their activity levels, mood, and whether the pet or another person was in the room or close to the owner.
The results showed that when pets, especially dogs, were present during daily activities, the owners' s systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly compared to when they were not present. This effect was seen even after controlling for factors such as mood, activity intensity, location, and the presence of other people. Dogs were found to have a greater impact on reducing blood pressure than cats.
These findings suggest that owning a pet, particularly a dog, can effectively help manage and lower blood pressure levels in older adults with pre- to mild hypertension. So, if you love animals and have high blood pressure, having a furry companion may bring joy to your life and help improve your health!
Provide Social Support
Lack of social support is linked to an increased risk of heart problems due to several psychological and physiological factors:
Stress and Anxiety: Social support helps people cope with stress. When social support is lacking, stress levels can remain high over prolonged periods. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart disease.
Inflammation: Social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), leading to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
Unhealthy Behaviors: People with low social support may be more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as smoking, overeating, or physical inactivity, which are risk factors for heart disease. Having a support system often encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
Mental Health Impact: Loneliness and lack of social connections can lead to depression and anxiety, both of which have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Depression, for instance, can affect the heart through changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and the body’s stress response.
Overall, the absence of social support can have a significant negative impact on both mental and physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease through multiple interconnected pathways.
However, dog ownership has been linked to increased social support and reduced feelings of loneliness. Dogs provide companionship, unconditional love, and nonjudgmental support, which can improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels.
Mental health
A fascinating study by Genieve Z. and colleagues explored the lived experiences of pet owners over 65 years old and how their pets influenced their mental health. The researchers interviewed 14 community-dwelling older adults who owned pets and analyzed the results using Colaizzi’s phenomenological framework.
The study found that pet ownership provides several benefits, including comfort and safety, social inclusion and participation, purposeful routine and structure, and a meaningful role in life. Participants reported feeling less lonely and more socially connected due to their pets and experiencing an increase in daily physical activity through walking or playing with their furry friends.
Moreover, having a pet gave older adults a sense of purpose and meaning, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant life stressors associated with aging. This can lead to increased resilience against mental health disorders and better overall well-being.
These findings suggest that pet ownership can provide much-needed social support for community-dwelling older adults, potentially contributing to better mental health and ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease.
Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Aside from the positive impact on blood pressure levels and mental health, pet ownership has also been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Andrea M. examined the association between pet ownership and cardiovascular health.
The study is a prospective cohort of 1769 subjects (aged 25 to 64 years) with no history of cardiovascular disease. The participants were recruited between January 1, 2013, and December 19, 2014.
To determine the effects of pet ownership, the study compared sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and cardiovascular health metrics such as body mass index, healthy diet, physical activity level, smoking status, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol between pet owners and non-pet owners. The results showed that approximately 42% of subjects owned a pet, with dogs being the most common companion at 24.3%.
The study found that pet owners were likelier to report engaging in physical activity and following a healthy diet than non-pet owners. They also had lower blood glucose levels but were more likely to be smokers. These factors contributed to a higher overall cardiovascular health score among pet owners than non-pet owners. It seems a little odd to me, but that’s what the study found.
When compared specifically to other pet owners and non-pet owners, dog owners had the highest levels of physical activity and a healthier diet. This resulted in an even higher cardiovascular health score for dog owners compared to the other groups.
After adjusting for other factors, it was concluded that owning a dog was associated with higher cardiovascular health scores than not owning a pet or another type of pet. Based on these findings, owning a dog may positively impact cardiovascular health by promoting healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
Takeaways
To optimally gain from the physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog, ensure you walk or play with their dogs for at least 30 minutes daily.
Aside from dog ownership as a form of social support, it is essential to have human social connections and support to reduce the risk of heart disease.
To maintain good cardiovascular health, incorporate regular physical activity and follow a healthy diet. This can be achieved through regular walks or playtime with your dog.
Dog ownership may provide a sense of purpose and meaning for older adults, contributing to better mental well-being and resilience against mental health disorders associated with aging.
Bottom Line!
While adopting a pet should not be viewed as a solution to all health problems, the evidence suggests that it can significantly positively affect mental and physical well-being. Dog ownership, in particular, has been linked to increased social support, reduced feelings of loneliness, and a lower risk of heart disease.
If you can care for a furry friend, consider adding a dog to your family for companionship and potential health benefits. The unconditional love, playful energy, and unwavering loyalty offered by our canine companions can have a powerful impact on our lives—both physically and mentally.
Happy pet parenting!
I hope you enjoyed the article today! I wish you all a great day and walk!
Susanna