When it comes to heart health, exercise, diet, and stress management typically top the list of factors that contribute to our overall well-being. But did you know that your dog may also be a powerful ally for your heart? Research has found a strong link between dogs and human heart health, showing that the companionship, activity, and stress relief they provide may help reduce cardiovascular risks and even improve survival after major heart events.
Let’s look at the science behind this connection, the different ways dogs boost human heart health, and how our kitties may help too.
The Link Between Dogs and Human Heart Health
You might think that exercise is the biggest factor – and it definitely plays a role – but it isn’t the only reason our canine companions are keeping our hearts strong!
1. More Exercise, Stronger Hearts
Dogs naturally get us moving. Studies show that dog owners walk more frequently and are more likely to meet daily physical activity goals. This extra movement lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, supports a healthy weight, and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Heart benefit: Regular walks with your pup are an easy way to keep your heart strong.
2. Stress Relief and Lower Blood Pressure
Stress can be detrimental when it comes to heart health, so keeping it in check is important. Thankfully, spending time with a dog can help regulate your stress hormones. Petting or simply sitting with a calm dog has been shown to:
- Reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Increase oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone)
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure during stressful moments
Heart benefit: Less stress and lower blood pressure reduce your long-term risk of heart disease.
3. Social Connection and Mental Health
Dog ownership often leads to more social interaction – from chats at the park to community dog events. Research shows that these strong social bonds are linked to better mental health and reduced cardiovascular risk. Dogs also help reduce loneliness, which is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for heart disease.
Heart benefit: A healthier mind and stronger connections support a healthier heart.
4. Better Recovery After Cardiac Events
Research shows dog parents may recover better after a heart attack or stroke compared to people without a pup at home. Possible reasons include:
- Increased motivation to move during recovery
- Reduced loneliness and depression
- More consistent daily routines
Heart benefit: Dogs may help improve survival rates after major heart events.
Research on Dogs and Heart Health
As usual, don’t just take our word for it! There’s plenty of research that proves the positive link between dogs and human heart health!
- Authoritative review (AHA 2013): The American Heart Association reviewed the evidence and concluded that pet ownership – especially dog ownership – is probably associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, largely because of increased physical activity and psychosocial benefits.
- Large national/cohort studies: A Swedish nationwide cohort and other large population studies have repeatedly found that dog ownership is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular events and lower all-cause mortality – effects that were often strongest in single-person households and for owners of more active/hunt-type breeds.
- Meta-analyses and systematic reviews: Many studies report that dog ownership is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and lower all-cause mortality (estimates vary, e.g., ~24% lower all-cause mortality and ~31% lower CVD death in some pooled analyses). Keep in mind, of course, that reviewers other factors have also been identified (healthier people may be more likely to own dogs, lifestyle differences, socioeconomic factors, smoking, etc.).
- Recovery after major cardiac events: Several analyses found dog owners had better survival after myocardial infarction or stroke compared with non-owners, even after adjustment for many factors – again suggesting a potential protective role.
- Recent nuance: Some more recent studies and meta-analyses point out variability – dog ownership tends to show the clearest cardioprotective association, while evidence for cats is mixed (see below). A few newer studies also attempt to tie the benefits to specific mechanisms (activity levels, social support), which strengthens plausibility but doesn’t close the causality question.
Important note: Most of this research is observational, meaning it shows association, not guaranteed cause and effect. Still, the evidence is strong enough that experts recognize dogs as potential protectors of human heart health.
Tips to Maximize Heart Benefits from Dog Ownership
- Commit to daily walks – aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking.
- Match your dog’s activity level to your lifestyle.
- Use playtime (fetch, agility, tug) as fun exercise for both of you.
- Enjoy quiet bonding time – even petting your dog has heart benefits.
- Remember: adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, not just a health strategy.
What About Cats?
Cats can also bring heart benefits, though research is less consistent than for dogs. Some studies suggest cat owners may have a lower risk of heart disease, while others show no clear association. Still, petting a cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and provide companionship, all of which help support heart health. So, cats may not provide the same activity boost as dogs, but their calming presence and emotional support can still be good for the heart.
The bond between dogs and human heart health is more than emotional – it’s physical, too. From daily exercise to stress relief and stronger social connections, dogs offer powerful support for a healthier heart. And while the research is strongest for dogs, cats can also bring cardiovascular benefits through comfort and companionship. So next time you head out for a walk with your pup or snuggle up with your cat, remember, you’re not just sharing love, you’re strengthening your heart.
