New Study Shows Dogs Lower Blood Pressure

According to a new study by the University of Maryland, spending time with your dog has been linked to lower blood pressure. The study was conducted in conjunction with the WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition.

Erika Friedmann, who is the lead study author and a professor at the University of Maryland, said: “Lowering blood pressure is the most important therapeutic goal in treating hypertension. This is the first study to examine blood pressure under normal living conditions with animals present. It allowed us to evaluate the real-time impact of companion animals in their owners’ daily lives. This study enhances our understanding of the potential positive impact of pet dogs on the blood pressure of individuals with hypertension. The findings also reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic role animals can play in improving general and cardiovascular health.”

The study focused on pet owners who are age 50 years and older, and who had pre-hypertension or mild hypertension symptoms. All of the participants in the study lived independently and wore a special device that constantly monitored their blood pressure by taking it automatically every 20 minutes. The data was collected from three different days over a three-month period. Many of the participants were taking medication to manage their blood pressure. However, the study found that both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure were generally lower when dogs were present.

Dr Sandra McCune, Scientific Leader – Human-Animal Interaction at WALTHAM, went on to say: “We have long been aware of the beneficial effect dogs can have on their owners’ blood pressure. This study confirms that the presence of dogs during normal day-to-day life can lower blood pressure in adults with mild hypertension. WALTHAM is proud to continue to support research in this key area.”

If you’re a St. Louis dog owner who is searching for assistance with your four-legged family member, please contact us. We specialize in dog daycare and boarding in addition to offering elite canine training programs in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas.