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It makes perfect sense that February is American Heart Month. I mean, February does bring Valentine’s Day! And, of course that is when love is in the air and we associate love with the heart. We even give our dogs special treats or toys to celebrate the holiday. And, their reaction has our hearts fluttering with love. But, do you know owning a dog is actually keeping your heart healthy?
Owning a Dog Literally Keeps Your Heart Healthy
The American Heart Association reviewed studies showing that owning a pet links to fewer heart disease risk factors. In addition, studies show that owning a pet increases survival among patients.
Most importantly, owning a dog was shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. This is probably because dog owners are getting physical activity when they walk their dogs.
For instance, 5,200 adults observed in one study, shows that dog owners are more active than non-dog owners. Therefore, they were 54 percent more likely to reach recommended levels of physical activity.
“There are plausible psychological, sociological and physiological reasons to believe that pet ownership might actually have a causal role in decreasing cardiovascular risk.”
Dr. Glenn N. Levine, Master Clinician and Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
In 2013, the American Heart Association published the following statements:
- Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with decreased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, may have some casual role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
More and more studies support these statements. Furthermore, owning a dog is also linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels. Therefore, this happens to have a positive impact on heart health.
There is not a cause and effect explanation in these studies. However, researchers from Uppsala University believe one possibility is that dogs provide companionship.
According to their study published in Scientific Reports, this type of companionship may alleviate feelings of loneliness. In addition, it can alleviate social isolation, which in turn has been associated with cardiovascular disease.
Don’t Add a Dog if You’re Not Ready
Owning a dog or thinking about it does have potential benefits for your heart health. However, that should not be a primary purpose for becoming a dog owner.
It is important that you make lifestyle changes for your heart health. You can do this by walking more and eating healthy. However, become a dog owner because you can give a dog a good home and plenty of love.
Owning a dog requires a lot of care and dedication. But with the right situation, a dog sure can provide a whole lot of comfort and love.
Harvard Medical School sells a special health report, Get Healthy, Get a Dog. Furthermore, this report teaches the health benefits of owning a dog.
Inside Get Healthy, Get a Dog, you’ll discover:
- how to turn your dog into the perfect exercise buddy
- the connection between your weight and your dog’s weight
- ways dog ownership can improve your life as you age
- the stress-busting power of practicing mindfulness while walking your dog
- a Special Section with nutrition guidelines for your furry friend
- equipment that all responsible owners must have
- steps for raising a well-behaved dog
In Conclusion
So, research proves that pets are good for your heart health. Owning a dog is going to get you off the couch and outdoors moving. Therefore, you will maintain a healthy weight and control your blood sugar.
In addition, owning a dog can boost your mood, because they loyally love you and always express it. And, that’s just got to be good for heart and mind.
“Pets really might be man’s best friend. Pets tug at our heartstrings, but they also improve our health — both mental and physical — helping us to live longer and happier lives.”
Barbara George, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Lifestyle Medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.
How does your dog help you stay healthy? Let us know in the comments below.
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