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Many pet owners insist that their dog, cat—even fish or snake—are just what the doctor ordered. When animal-loving humans feel down, stressed or out of sorts, their treatment of choice is often snuggling with their cat or romping with their dog. Now, the American Heart Association, in a recent article in Circulation, has given its seal of approval. The evidence is in that pet ownership can reduce cardiovascular risk. Pets, especially dogs, are heart healthy. This is important news, since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U. S. Risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and lack of activity are rising rapidly in children and teenagers as well. A low cost, safe and widely available treatment is good news indeed.
Let’s take a look at the evidence behind this conclusion. Having a pet, especially a dog, seems to benefit our hearts in a variety of ways:
Lowering blood pressure (BP). Studies find that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure. That alone doesn’t prove that your pet is actually lowering your blood pressure. People with lower BP to begin with might be just the folks who acquire pets. However, one study compared two groups of people, all of whom wanted to adopt a dog. In one group, everyone got a dog, while those in the other group waited to adopt their dogs later. Sure enough, the new dog owners lowered their blood pressure over six months as they took care of Fido, and had lower BP than their no-dog counterparts. Those people, when they eventually adopted dogs as well, also experienced lower blood pressure.
Physical activity. Here dogs shine. In a number of studies, dog owners get more physical activity than those owning other pets or non-pet owners. But, actually walking the dog turns out to be key; many dog owners don’t get out to exercise with their dogs regularly (a fenced-in yard may be the culprit), and hence, miss out on this benefit. Dog walking also is linked to lower obesity. Here, however, we still have just an association. Dog owners who are relatively fit might be most inclined to get out and walk the dog.
Reactions to stress. When we’re stressed BP rises and heart rate accelerates. When the source of stress passes, our hearts need to return quickly to their pre-stress levels. A number of studies document that when friendly dogs (or other animals) are present, blood pressure and heart rate don’t spike as much and also recover their pre-stress levels more quickly. In other words, pets can be calming. The zen effect of animals extends to nature as well. This has lead to a blossoming of fish tanks and greenery in hospitals, reading to dogs programs in libraries, and animal visitation to nursing homes.
Deepening our connections. A powerful protective factor against heart disease and other ailments lies in our social ties. Having friends, family, neighbors and community surrounding us with support buffers us against stress and aids recovery when we do become ill. Research confirms what pet owners already know: humans tend to form strong bonds with their companion animals, who give them feelings of being loved and supported. Perhaps this is why survival after a major heart attack is better for pet owners than for their counterparts without pets.
The take-away: For the American Heart Association, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend pet ownership as a health enhancing strategy. Bringing an animal into your home begins a complicated life long relationship with another being. Many factors need to be considered. In addition, the research itself is suggestive, not conclusive, and raises more questions. In particular, as a psychologist studying children’s development, I would like to know more about the health implications of pets for children and teens. Can pets help children buffer long term stresses like parental divorce? In this videogame and Internet age, how can pets, especially dogs, help children get moving outdoors,? Do kids with pets have better cardiovascular health than children without animals in their homes? As researchers explore these questions, we pet owners can continue to enjoy our heart-healthy companions.
