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Lesstress for Pets – Stress and Anxiety Support
USD $44.95
Lesstress for Pets – Stress and Anxiety Support USD $44.95 Add to Cart

How Stress Can Affect Your Pet’s Heart  

Vet Talks 2 min read

Stress is often viewed as a behavioural issue: a nervous dog pacing or a cat hiding. But stress is also physiological.

Concern arises when stress becomes frequent or long-lasting

When a pet experiences stress, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals increase heart rate and blood pressure to prepare the body to respond. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, this short-term response is normal and protective. The concern arises when stress becomes frequent or long-lasting.

Over time, repeated activation of this response may influence how the heart and circulatory system function.  

How Stress Can Affect Your Pet’s Heart and Circulation  

The cardiovascular system includes not just the heart muscle but also the blood vessels and the efficiency of circulation. During stress, blood vessels narrow, and the heart works harder to pump blood. Research referenced in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) suggests that repeated elevations in heart rate and blood pressure can increase cardiovascular workload.

While this does not mean stress directly causes heart disease, prolonged strain may influence recovery after activity and overall circulatory balance, especially in aging pets or those with existing concerns.

Why Stress-Related Changes Are Easy to Miss  

Stress-related changes are often subtle. Pets instinctively hide discomfort, and signs like reduced stamina, altered sleep, or quieter behaviour are commonly attributed to age or personality. Chronic stressors, such as environmental changes, loud noises, multi-pet households, or ongoing health issues, can quietly influence physiological markers like heart rate variability, as discussed in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Because these changes develop gradually, observation and routine veterinary checkups are key.  

Supporting Calm for Long-Term Heart Health

Pet parents may consider discussing additional heart support with their veterinarian if their pet is aging, experiencing long-term stress, or managing a diagnosed cardiac condition.

Alongside veterinary care, some families explore supportive options such as NHV Matricalm or NHV Lesstress for promoting relaxation. Additionally, the NHV Heart Murmur Support Kit can be part of a broader wellness plan. These products are not intended to diagnose or treat disease, but may complement a veterinarian-guided approach focused on balance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, our pets feel the world just as deeply as we do – and their hearts often carry the weight of that stress. By being proactive and keeping their heart strong, you’re setting them up for long-term success.

For more natural pet wellness tips and ongoing NHV news, sign up for the NHV newsletter. You can also join our new community on X for pet care wellness tips in a friendly format. Join us as we protect pet hearts around the world.

Dr. Barbara Benitez DVM, MS

Dr. Barbara Benitez DVM, MS

Dr. Barbara is a veterinarian from Brazil with a specialty in pet nutrition. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from the University of Uberaba. In 2010, Dr. Barbara received her Master’s of Science in Pet Nutrition from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. She has over 15 years of experience in research and development in the pet food industry. When Barbara isn’t helping pet parents, you can find her spending time with her family, including her senior dog, Caze.

Published: February 23, 2026

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