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Hearty-Heart for Dogs

Supplement for heart conditions in dogs

USD $43.95
Hearty-Heart for Dogs USD $43.95 Add to Cart

Heart Health Benefits of Dog Ownership

Pet Care Tips 3 min read
A human woman crouched down to bond with a dog.

As a pet parent, you probably put a lot of research and effort into providing the very best health choices for your pet. However, did you know that pet ownership benefits your own health? It’s true! What we all sense intuitively – that being around our fur kiddos makes us feel better – is proven by science. In particular, one finding suggests that there are lots of heart health benefits of pet ownership.

The Heart Health Benefits of Dog Ownership

We’re not just being figurative; research really suggests that there are heart health benefits to dog ownership!

The American Heart Association’s Journal of Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes published a study on the relationship between dog ownership and cardiovascular health. For one, dog owners are more likely to get exercise. Just like for pets, exercise may help to keep the human heart strong and healthy by improving blood flow and strengthening the heart’s muscles. Their study found a larger effect for owners who had breeds known for being high energy, suggesting a stronger link.

Exercise wasn’t the only suggested factor. Dog ownership may encourage time spent outdoors, help people cope with stress (man’s best friend is always there for you!), give us company, and improve our mental health – all of which is associated with cardiovascular health.

Not only does pet ownership correlate with improved heart function, but it also appears to be associated with the healing process after a cardiovascular event. For example, research by Mubanga et al. found that dog owners had a lower risk of death after being hospitalized for certain heart health events.

How to Bond with Your Pet

With more and more research suggesting that pets have a positive effect on our health, we think we should spend more time together! Here are our favorite ways to spend time with your fur kiddo that also keep them healthy:

  • Go for a walk or hike: physical activity helps your pet maintain a healthy weight.
  • Teach them a new trick: mental stimulation helps pets’ cognitive health and improves their trust in you.
  • Groom them: in nature, grooming isn’t just a pastime – it’s how animals bond with each other!
  • Try feeding mats or toys: by turning treat time or meal time into a game, your pet will get exercise and stimulation.
  • Playtime: whether it’s tug-o-war or chase, pets understand and love games. Play some together and you’ll find you’re having as much fun as them!

Whatever way you spend time with your pet, you’re creating precious memories together – and possibly improving your heart health!

Repaying Your Dog by Protecting Their Heart

Research like this shows what many pet owners have already figured out intuitively: having pets just feels good! When they greet you at the door, sleep by your side, or do something goofy to make you laugh, the fur kiddos of the world ease our hearts with joy and love.

Approximately 1 in 10 animals will develop heart disease

One of the most important things you can do to repay our pets is to keep their organs in tip-top shape. In fact, approximately 1 in 10 animals will develop heart disease, including up to 75% of senior dogs. That is why proactive management for heart health is incredibly important. It will affect a lot of fur kiddos (and fur seniors).

While some heart conditions exist from birth, many develop as a result of aging or lifestyle factors. To help keep your pet healthy as they age, there are a few things to keep their heart ticking strong.

  • Regular exercise, like walking, running, or playing.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight so as not to overtax the heart.
  • A diet of high-quality protein and vegetables while avoiding foods high in fat and salt.
  • Preventing heartworms. In addition to your vet’s recommendations, Inulin PK may help pets who are recovering from heartworms.
  • Brushing your pet’s teeth and maintaining oral health.
  • Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. NHV Petomega 3 provides both DHA and EPA fatty acids.
  • Reduce stress and anxiety. To reduce stress from sources beyond your control, NHV Lesstress may be added as a natural support.

In addition to these recommendations, specific heart conditions must be addressed with your veterinarian. Along with their suggestions, NHV has formulated kits for conditions like heart murmur, cardiomyopathy, heartworms, and more.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to an NHV Pet Expert by chatting in. We love helping fur kiddos!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: February 26, 2025

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