❤️🐾 Vet Guide 2025: How Pets Improve Our Heart Health

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc – Veterinarian & Founder of Ask A Vet

Pets are far more than companions—they’re secret allies for cardiovascular wellness. In this 2025 vet-led guide, discover how cats, dogs, and even therapy animals can support your heart—by lowering blood pressure, reducing disease risk, encouraging activity, and easing stress. Whether you're a longtime pet owner or considering a new furry family member, learn how your four-legged friend can help your heart stay healthy. 😊

🩺 1. Lower Blood Pressure & Heart Rate

Multiple studies show that interacting with pets—especially petting or cuddling—can reduce blood pressure and resting heart rate. One infographic reports petting a dog or cat can reduce stress-induced blood pressure by ~50 % in those on hypertension meds :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. A meta-analysis also found pet owners had significantly lower resting heart rates and mean arterial pressure :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🏃‍♂️ 2. Increased Physical Activity

Dog owners tend to walk more and meet recommended activity levels. One study found they were four times more likely to achieve 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise, compared to non-owners :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Studies also show pet ownership motivates people to walk longer and more frequently, supporting cardiovascular health :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

📉 3. Reduced Cardiovascular Disease & Mortality

Evidence suggests pet owners—especially dog owners—have lower risks of cardiovascular events:

• Meta-analysis: dog ownership linked to 24 % lower all-cause mortality and 31 % lower cardiovascular death risk :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Research: dog ownership reduced cardiovascular mortality risk by 15 % in families and 36 % for single-person households :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• A meta-review showed general pet ownership was associated with a modest 🎯19 % lower risk of cardiovascular mortality; cats specifically ~21 % lower risk :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Patients recovering from heart attacks or strokes lived longer and recovered faster when they had pets :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🧘‍♀️ 4. Stress Reduction & Emotional Well-being

Interaction with pets boosts oxytocin and reduces cortisol—improving mood and reducing stress. According to Harvard Health, 95 % of pet parents rely on their animals for stress relief :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. The American Heart Association confirms that pets combat stress, enhance happiness, and support heart health :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🧬 5. Other Heart‑Healthy Effects

• Improved cholesterol & lipid profiles: Owners have lower LDL and fewer metabolic CVD risks :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Reduced hypertension risk: Pet ownership linked to better blood pressure control, especially in hypertensive individuals :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Enhanced social connection: Pets help reduce isolation and promote interaction—benefiting emotional & heart health :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

👥 6. Therapy & Companion Animal Benefits

Therapy dogs are proven to lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and support mood in clinical settings ❣️. Studies show they improve cardiovascular markers and emotional health in patients with heart failure or hospitalized individuals :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

✅ Vet Tips for Maximizing Pet-Driven Heart Health

• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle: active dog vs. low-maintenance cat.
• Commit to regular exercise—walks, play sessions, enrichment activities.
• Maintain affectionate interaction—daily petting or cuddles to boost oxytocin.
• Routine veterinary care ensures pet health—healthy pets support your health.

📞 Ask A Vet Support in 2025

Need help choosing the right pet for heart health, creating safe exercise or stress-relief routines, or recovering from a cardiovascular event? The Ask A Vet app connects you to licensed veterinarians who can:

• Recommend pet types, ages, and activity needs for your life stage
• Design safe walk/play schedules and mental enrichment
• Advise on therapy-dog programs or pet-assisted interventions
• Support your pet’s health to sustain human health goals

With expert guidance, your pet can be a trusted partner in maintaining your cardiovascular wellness. 🐶📱

🧠 Final Thoughts

Owning a pet offers measurable heart health benefits: improved blood pressure, increased activity, reduced cardiovascular risk, stress relief, and stronger social connection. Whether dog, cat, or therapy companion, their presence benefits both emotional and physical well‑being. Embrace your pet as a partner in wellness—and keep both hearts thriving. ❤️

Download the Ask A Vet app today for personalized guidance on choosing, caring for, or exercising with your pet—your pathway to heart‑healthy companionship. 🐾📲