How a canine companion can help the heart, from the September 2015 Harvard Heart Letter

Nearly half of U.S. households include at least one dog. For most owners, the biggest reward is the unmatched love and devotion dogs can offer. But canine companionship may also have cardiovascular benefits for dog owners, according to the September 2015 Harvard Heart Letter.

"Research shows that people who have a dog are far more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week," says Dr. Elizabeth Frates, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and one of the medical editors of the Special Health Report Get Healthy, Get a Dog (/dog).

Dogs are the ultimate exercise partners. Unlike a human walking buddy, a dog will never choose to grab a cup of coffee instead of going for a brisk walk, no matter how miserable the weather.

Dog ownership can even encourage physical activity among people who traditionally get less exercise. If someone hasn't been active for a long time, walking a dog can lessen any embarrassment he or she may feel about physical appearance and level of fitness. Being out and about with a dog may also enhance a person's sense of social connectedness by providing opportunities to meet and interact with other people.

Many studies find that dog owners have lower blood pressure than non-owners. People with dogs appear to have less cardiovascular reactivity when they are mentally stressed, meaning their heart rate and blood pressure go up less and return to normal more quickly. Researchers attribute this effect to a reduction in levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Among older adults in particular, dog ownership seems to confer a sense of well-being.

For people whose living space or work schedule doesn't accommodate dog ownership, there are other avenues for achieving canine camaraderie. They can offer to take a neighbor's dog out for a daily jog or volunteer their dog-walking services at a local animal shelter.

Read the full-length article: "Wag more: A tale of healthy living

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.