Health Benefits Of Pet Therapy

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Ongoing pet therapy has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. In addition to interactions with animals lowering blood pressure, individuals who spend a lot of time around animals have been shown to have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. There have been multiple studies showing dog owners, in particular, tend to have better overall heart health. In one study of dog owners in the Czech Republic, the dog owners tended to be younger and have a higher likelihood of smoking. At the same time, the dog owners were less likely to be obese, had better blood fat and sugar levels, and were more active. Some of these positive effects might be because of how being around dogs lowers blood pressure. Other effects might be because dogs need to be walked, which encourages the humans surrounding them to be more active. Whatever the reason, spending time around dogs may improve cardiovascular health.