Animals Can Reduce Stress and Improve Heart Health

Aside from physical exercise and following a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, minimally processed grains, and fish, spending quality time with an animal lowers the blood pressure of both human and pet, says Dr. JoAnn Yanez, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). The love, laughter, and comfort animals bring to humans help alleviate stress and improve heart health.

According to Dr. Yanez, being around horses is healing; there are well documented accounts of how equine therapy brings relief to those with severe trauma. Therapy ponies have been used to alleviate the stress of overburdened medical professionals during the COVID-19 crisis. Families waiting for loved ones to get out of surgery are being comforted by therapy dogs offering a snuggle.

There are many different ways we can “be kind to our stress levels and our hearts,” says Dr. Yanez. She says it’s important to remember that in every moment we have the choice to be stressed and negative or to try to find enjoyment. Awareness of this can give a sense of control of the moment.

“There’s definite therapeutic benefits of animals, from laughter and connection,” said Yanez. Having a cat jump into frame during a video conference is now normal, so there are new rules of professionalism that often involve pets, she believes. The laughter and relief animals evoke have been found to improve outcomes for patients with heart disease. Laughter, she says, supports the immune system, lowers blood pressure, increases endorphins, and reduces cortisol levels.