Stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise all contribute to high blood pressure readings; however, owning a pet may help lower blood pressure. A scientific paper published in the medical journal Circulation cites research that repeatedly shows that pet ownership can assist in reducing blood pressure readings.
Citing an Australian study involving 5,741 participants, pet owners had lower systolic blood pressure than non-pet owners, even when body mass index was similar, as obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
Furthermore, in a study conducted on 240 married couples with and without pets, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower among participants with a cat or dog. The study also found that pet owners had smaller increases in heart rate and blood pressure when faced with stress, and they were more likely to recover more quickly when their pet was present.
The scientific statement from the American Heart Association added that owning a dog seems to have the most positive effect, with cross-sectional studies showing that dog owners engage in more physical activity. A Canadian study involving 351 participants found that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week compared to 168 minutes per week for those without pets, according to the British newspaper Express.
