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May 15, 2013

Pets Are Good For Your Heart

I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I have said, “Eko nearly gave me a heart attack!”  Between eating things they shouldn’t, escaping yards, emergency trips to the vet and just about every other imaginable cause, pets certainly have a knack for getting our
I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I have said, “Eko nearly gave me a heart attack!”  Between eating things they shouldn’t, escaping yards, emergency trips to the vet and just about every other imaginable cause, pets certainly have a knack for getting our blood pressure up.

RHodesian Ridgeback, dog blog, pet photos, pet adventure

“Little old me cause trouble? Never…”

We all know that pets are great for our metaphorical hearts – dogs are loyal and loving to a fault – I mean, even the Grinch had a faithful pup.  But despite all the momentary cardiac crises listed above it turns out that pets can help contribute to the health of our actual heart.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure, dog blog

One out of one Dr. Eko’s agree that pets promote a healthy heart

According to a new statement from the American Heart Association, observational evidence suggests that people with dogs likely have a reduced risk of heart disease.  Dogs help people exercise more and a number of studies show that pets in general help people better cope with stress through a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.  In my favorite study, one group of stockbrokers with hypertension were instructed to adopt a dog or cat.  The stockbrokers with pets were found to react better to stress than the group of stockbrokers with hypertension who did not have a pet.  I just love the image of tough big shot bankers melting in the arms of a pet.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet blog, dog adventure

Relaxing in front of a fire with Eko is about as stress free as you can get

As one of the doctors rightly cautions, a pet is by no means a panacea for heart risk and you should never get a pet unless your primary objective is to provide that pet a great home.  But if you do have a pet, “there are plausible psychological, sociological and physiological reasons to believe that pet ownership might actually have a causal role in decreasing cardiovascular risk.”

So next time your pet “nearly gives you a heart attack” remember that overall they are probably doing their part to keep your heart healthy!

Comments for Pets Are Good For Your Heart

  1. Tiffany F. says:

    It look on Puppy Eko’s face is priceless!

  2. I’m sending this to my boyfriend. We need a dog! Though it’s not my boyfriend that needs convincing…it’s our property manager.

  3. They are good for our heart and for your soul … they give us so much… I love Dr. Eko – can I have an appointment?

  4. Marcela says:

    You are so right Will. Alex not only helps me to relax, but she also makes me realize that I am starting to get angry and looking at those beautiful brown eyes always melts my heart so my anger dissipates just as fast as it appeared:)

  5. Sweet Eko there is no end to all the good you sweet doggies do for us. BTW you sure make a super lookin’ doc. You and Will are the greatest example we have ever seen on getting lots of good exercise and then relaxing. Hugs and nose kisses

  6. Jorie says:

    I read a similar article about the health benefits of a pooch! Is there anything dogs can’t do? Also, puppy Eko wins the Internet today. Melts my heart!

  7. writetowag says:

    I just looked down at Trev and said you are a BONUS BEAR in every way!!!! Of course, he agreed with a high paw!!!!

  8. onebluedog says:

    My mom did a speech about how pets are good for health when she was college! They wouldn’t let dogs or cats in the classroom though, so she had to bring her fish for visual evidence 🙂

  9. Boomdeeadda says:

    Love it! I’m a living example of how my dog Jasper saved my life buy just being by my side and a great companion during a personal crisis. The fact that he needed two walks a day to do his business and be healthy and happy was the only reason I got motivated some days. Dr Eko could give Oz a run for his money.

  10. You sure we moggies have made mum’s heart a bit faster over the years with illness, injuries and the hut we bring home 🙂 LOL

  11. I’m positive pets are good for our hearts and our EVERYTHING……they do so much for us and ask so little.

    Pam

  12. Misaki says:

    Agree 1000% percent 🙂

  13. Amy says:

    Having surgery today to fuse ankle keep showing picture of eko in hospital uniform and telling people that he is my surgeon. Thanks so much Eko and Will. You help my life be better.

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