How Petting Dogs Lowers Blood Pressure by 10%!
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can help reduce blood pressure in several ways:
1. Reducing Stress & Anxiety
Petting a dog or cat lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone).
Spending time with pets has a calming effect, reducing stress-induced BP spikes.
2. Encouraging Physical Activity
Dog owners tend to walk more and stay active, which naturally lowers BP.
Even playing with a pet increases movement and helps maintain a healthy heart.
3. Lowering Heart Rate & BP Through Interaction
Studies show that simply stroking a pet can lower heart rate and BP.
Interaction with pets leads to reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, helping the body stay relaxed.
4. Providing Emotional Support & Reducing Loneliness
Pets offer companionship, which helps reduce social isolation and depression—both risk factors for high BP.
Emotional connection with pets improves mental well-being, positively impacting heart health.
5. Enhancing Sleep Quality
Many pet owners report better sleep quality, which is crucial for maintaining a stable BP.
6. Promoting Routine & Stability
Taking care of a pet provides structure and routine, which can help manage stress and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Studies have shown that pet owners have lower resting blood pressure compared to non-pet owners.
Research from the American Heart Association suggests that dog ownership is linked to a 24% lower risk of dying from heart disease.
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