Recent research on human-dog interactions showed that talking to and petting a dog are accompanied by lower blood pressure (BP) in the person than human conversation.
Petting a dog for just 15 minutes can lower blood pressure by 10%, research has revealed. Spending time with your four-legged friend releases serotonin, oxytocin, prolactin and even lowers the stress hormone cortisol, according to findings compiled by bingo site Tombola.
Stroking your pet or even a toy animal for only 15 minutes lowers blood pressure by 10% because it encourages the body to release natural "feel good" hormones. It releases serotonin, oxytocin, prolactin and even lowers the stress hormone cortisol, new research by Tombola shows.
For example, some research suggests that people with dogs experience less cardiovascular reactivity during times of stress. That means that their heart rate and blood pressure go up less and return to normal more quickly, dampening the effects of stress on the body.
Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol , while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies).
“We found that brain activity increased when the contact with the dog or a plush animal became closer. This confirms previous studies linking closer contact with animals or control stimuli with increased brain activation,” Marti said.
Multiple studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety. Even just petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, slows breathing, and relaxes muscle tension. Scientists at Washington State University discovered that just 10 minutes petting a dog can have a significant impact.
While it's pretty cool that your dog can help you lower your blood pressure, another neat thing about dogs is that they can sense when your blood pressure is increasing, spiking, or dropping.
Cardiac Alert Dogs
If you are familiar with service dogs like Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs, and Seizure Alert Dogs you might be familiar with a subsection of service dogs that help with detecting high blood pressure.
Dogs also can be trained to detect changes in behavior (when your tell isn't your smell) and recognize the onset of high blood pressure, a heart attack and epileptic seizures, and to get a person the help he or she needs.
According to the American Heart Association, a benefit of owning a dog can help lower your risk of heart disease, in large part because a dog needs to be walked. The physical activity of walking and playing with your dog contributes to better overall cardiovascular health and fewer heart attacks.
Dogs have several pressure points along their spine, but one of the most significant is the Bai Hui or Heaven's Gate point. This point is located in the sacral area of the back and can be stimulated through massage and pressure to provide various benefits.
The normal blood pressure for most dogs falls in the range of 110/60 to 160/90. Ideally, this measurement is taken when your dog is calm and experiencing little stress.
They're good for your ticker. In fact, in a study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, researchers noticed a link between cat ownership and a decreased risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. Even the sound of your cat's purr can calm your nerves and lower your blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 with a diastolic pressure of less than 80.
Sildenafil is a drug that is used in dogs and cats with heart and/or lung problems that cause increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension refers to abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs that forces the right side of the heart to work harder than normal.
Stress Soothers
Petting your cat or dog feels good. It can lower your blood pressure, helps your body release a relaxation hormone, and cuts down on levels of a stress hormone. It also soothes your pet, says Alan Beck, ScD, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University.
Dogs have been known to sense all sorts of illnesses including cardiac events, like strokes. The American Heart Association (AHA) even found that people living alone with a dog had a 27% better chance of surviving a stroke than those living alone.
So, dogs know a person's individual smell and when illness changes that smell, dogs can notice that, too. Even humans can observe the scent of sickness with some health problems. For example, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause fruity or acetone-smelling breath.
Simple Summary. A number of studies have shown that when dogs and humans interact with each other in a positive way (for example cuddling) both partners exhibit a surge in oxytocin, a hormone which has been linked to positive emotional states.
For example, most dogs prefer being touched with long gentle strokes along the chest, shoulder and base of the tail. While some dogs have other places they enjoy a gentle fuss, such as along their ears. And, there are areas which are more sensitive to touch and therefore, less welcome!
Cuddling Makes Your Pet Feel Loved and Secure
Dogs are pack animals that naturally want to bond with others. While cats are known for being fiercely independent, they too sometimes crave human touch. Giving your pet plenty of affection empowers it and makes it feel loved and secure.