In America, the leading cause of death for both men and women is heart disease. Though genetics and other concurring conditions are typically responsible for diminished cardiovascular health, there are many ways to prevent heart disease from worsening—that includes adopting a dog!

One little-known fact about adopting a canine companion is their ability to improve heart health. If you’re contemplating introducing a fur friend to your family, here are a few ways it can keep your heart in great shape.

They Decrease Stress Levels

Stress increases our body’s cortisol production, putting immense pressure on the heart. In previous studies, human-dog interactions have proven oxytocin spikes in both parties—the peptide hormone involved in positive social interaction.

By preventing feelings of loneliness and isolation, dogs allow us to focus more keenly on your and their needs. Through this more potent sense of “community,” dogs effectively decrease feelings of social isolation, depression, and anxiety.

They Keep You Active

Dogs provide a much welcome fitness benefit—they’ll always keep you on your toes! While you may be able to skip out on leg day, doing without your dog’s daily walk isn’t an option. Fortunately, dogs are a gateway to better enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Owners who take regular walks experience increased mobility and lower their body mass index, which directly impacts heart health. The more time you spend outdoors with your pup, the fewer the doctor visits!

A canine companion can also improve recovery after athletic events such as marathons or sports meets. By providing psychosocial support, dogs motivate owners to take their rehabilitation more seriously.

They Help You Watch Your Weight

Shedding a few pounds over 10 to 30 minutes of regular, daily exercise with your dog can decrease the chances of cardiovascular risk. Because of their strong, positive influence, dogs can even encourage children to discover an affinity for activities like walking, hiking, or swimming.

They Lower Your Cholesterol

Did you know that owning a dog can do wonders for your cholesterol and triglyceride levels? Because pet owners tend to lead more active lifestyles and engage less in vices and harmful habits, lifetime ownership can improve cardiovascular health.

According to studies, positive lifestyle influences are a two-way street. By improving your lifestyle and habits, you can get even the pickiest of pets to start eating healthier.

They Lower Your Blood Pressure

Spending time with your dog can almost immediately lower your blood pressure and effectively decrease a higher heart rate. The “pet effect,” which involves petting a dog or bonding with it, improves one’s emotional state. In doing so, the feel-good benefit puts less stress on the mind and, therefore, the body.

The Bottom Line

For soon-to-be pet owners, the health benefits that come with owning a dog are plentiful. If you are willing to cater to your dog’s sensitive stomach, take time off your busy schedule to indulge them in a weekly bath, or spend hours in your backyard playing fetch, chances are your pet will encourage you to do the same for yourself! If you’re a first-time pet owner, don’t forget to take a look at these integration tips!

About the Author Mike is an experienced pet owner and the founder of Dog Embassy. He is passionate about providing rookie and experienced pet parents with accessible resources on pet care and nutrition.