Dogs and cats are our constant companions and provide unconditional love, comfort and support every day.
As we know how to make us feel emotional, it should not be surprising to learn that scientific research has shown that our pets benefit both our mental and physical well-being.
Not only does it fill our emotional heart with joy and laughter, but pets have a documented positive impact on our physical, heart and cardiovascular health.
Pets and Heart Health
Research has shown an important relationship between pets and heart health. Research has also shown that keeping pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress through a variety of mechanisms.
The dating and unconditional love provided by your pet create a sense of emotional support that can reduce stress. Pet conversations are linked Increased production of oxytocina hormone that promotes binding and reduces stress.
Additionally, physical activities involved in caring for pets, such as walking and playing dogs, can contribute to the release of endorphins, often called “comfortable” hormones. Together these factors can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and contribute to a healthier heart.
By properly caring for dogs and cats, we actively contribute to their well-being and deepen the bond between humans and animals.
American Heart Association (AHA) As highlighted in them, they share research on how pets have a positive impact on overall heart health Scientific Statement. This statement critically evaluates data on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the effects of PET parents on the presence and reduction of cardiac disease.
The conclusion of AHA is that keeping pets, particularly dogs, is likely to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Written by the Expert Committee and approved by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordination Committee, this published statement serves as an independent and authoritative confirmation that being a pet parent supports heart health.
How do pets help your heart health?
How do pets offer these heart health benefits?
Positive interactions between pet parents and pets appear to cause physiological changes in both humans and animals. In addition to affecting blood pressure and heart rate, pet involvement has been shown to affect hormones correlated with happiness, such as cortisol, oxytocin, beta-endorphins, prolactin, phenylacetic acid, and dopamine.
The oxytocin system is directly connected to many of the observed psychological effects of human-animal interactions (HAIs), including pet involvement. Oxytocin (OT), often referred to as the “binding hormone,” is a neuropeptide known to promote maternal care in mammals. When released, oxytocin causes physiological changes that benefit the heart, such as slowing heart rate and breathing, regulating blood pressure, inhibiting stress hormones, calming, comfort, and creating focus.
Research shows that interactions with our pet dogs lead to Increased oxytocin levels in our brainswhich promotes cardiovascular well-being.
Pets and physical health
Our pets also encourage us to act as daily motivationalists and practice healthy habits that have a major impact on heart health. That’s Actively roaming around the neighborhood, lively games of fetching, or slow hiking in the great outdoors, and dog and active cat relationships encourage us to stay active.
Having a dog is more likely to meet more recreational walking and physical activity recommendations. According to One study, The probability of a dog parent meeting the current physical activity guidelines for 150 minutes a week was four times higher than that of a non-dog parent.
Walking dogs is also linked to lower rates of obesity. Study of almost 2,200 subjects We found that obese dogs had significantly fewer walkers compared to pets who chose not to walk their dogs or individuals without pet parents.
In the area of healthy aging, Parent-child relationships in cats are related to maintaining physical function. Studies on older adults found that leisure physical activity generally decreases with age, but slower declines between dog and cat parents in overall physical performance, walking speed and physical well-being.
Researchers speculate that the responsibility to care for animals, whether dogs or cats, becomes a beneficial source of regular physical activity as we age.
Pets and Cardiovascular Diseases
Preventing illness through healthy behaviors is key to a healthy heart-healthy lifestyle, but research has also found a relationship between pet parent-child relationships and improved outcomes such as healing and recovery, following cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
All over the country A study of over 300,000 Swedish patients Those who suffered from a stroke or heart attack, or those who were dog pet parents, were more likely to survive than those who were not dog parents.
The positive impact of pets is spreading beyond dogs. Parents of cat pets also show a reduced risk of death from heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Scientists still don’t have a definitive answer to connections, but they speculate that the consistent presence of cats providing love and relaxation can contribute to increased survival and improved outcomes.
Positive interactions between pet parents and pets appear to cause physiological changes in both humans and animals.
The fundamental theory here is that social support protects humans from the effects of stressful events and promotes overall well-being. Pets, consideration Important Sources of Social Supportwhich can instill a sense of purpose and meaning in pet parents, explain some of their beneficial effects.
Similarly, pet parents have been found to experience less stress from stressful events in the presence of pets and recover more quickly. This suggests a Buffering effect– The process by which resources (pets) reduce the effects of life stress on psychological well-being can also contribute to strengthening recovery.
But what happens if you can’t keep a pet at home?
While not everyone can become a pet parent for a variety of reasons, there are other great ways to experience the benefits of human-animal bonding. Many organizations have found creative ways to bring dog pleasure to people who cannot have their own pets. Therapy dog.
Studies have shown that interactions with treated animals can elicit the same physiological and social responses as interactions with pets. It is an increase in oxytocin, endorphins, and neurochemicals associated with serotonin, positive emotions, binding, and stress reduction.
Animal support therapy can reduce stress and pain, increase mood, increase hospital patients’ well-being, increase social interaction and well-being among elderly people in nursing homes, and reduce stress among students in educational settings, including university campuses.
If you are unable to keep your own dog or cat at home, consider it Volunteering at your local animal shelter. Shelters are always required to support activities such as walking dogs, socializing puppies, and interacting with dedicated cats.
Humans also help pets with health
Studies have shown that making dogs soften not only releases hormones that stress humans, but also increases these beneficial hormones in dogs. Engaging in shared activities with companion animals not only benefits cardiovascular health, but also strengthens human-animal bonds and enhances pet health.
Like humans, dogs and cats need regular exercise, mental stimulation and veterinary examinations to stay healthy and happy. Regular walking, playtime and proper diet also help to keep our pets up Healthy weight.
By properly caring for our dogs and cats, we actively contribute and deepen our well-being The bond between humans and animals. For a mentally healthy life, remember that the more we care for our pets, the better they take care of our minds.
