The relationship between humans and companion animals has long been associated with emotional wellbeing. In recent years, however, scientific research has begun to explore whether living with pets may also influence cardiovascular health. Studies conducted in several countries, including the United States, Australia and Sweden, suggest that pet ownership—particularly dogs—may be linked to measurable health outcomes among adults.
A large scientific review published in 2019 analysed data from multiple international studies and reported that individuals who owned dogs had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes over a ten-year period. According to the findings, the reduction reached approximately 24% when compared with people who did not live with dogs.
This growing body of evidence has drawn attention from organisations such as the American Heart Association in the United States. In a scientific statement, the organisation concluded that dog ownership may reasonably contribute to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, experts emphasise that adopting a pet should never be viewed purely as a medical intervention, as the decision carries long-term responsibilities related to animal welfare.
Physical Activity as a Key Factor
One of the most widely discussed explanations for the potential benefits relates to changes in daily behaviour. Dog owners are often more physically active because of routine walks and outdoor activities.
Research led by Professor Adrian Bauman at the University of Sydney in Australia examined this behavioural pattern. A meta-analysis published in 2012 found that many dog owners who regularly walk their pets are more likely to reach the commonly recommended target of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
However, Bauman also highlighted an important distinction: simply owning a dog does not automatically lead to increased exercise. The health advantages appear primarily among individuals who actively engage in regular walks with their animals. When levels of physical activity are similar between pet owners and non-owners, differences in mortality risk become less pronounced.
Shared Lifestyle Between Humans and Pets
Research from Sweden suggests that the health relationship between humans and animals may operate in both directions. Studies led by epidemiologist Tove Fall at Uppsala University found that pets and their owners often share similar lifestyle patterns because they live in the same environment.
According to this research, dogs diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were more frequently associated with owners who later developed the same condition. The findings suggest that factors such as diet, activity levels and household routines may influence the health of both humans and animals simultaneously.
Mental Health and Stress Reduction
Beyond physical health, researchers also highlight potential psychological benefits associated with pet companionship. Interaction with animals can reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation—factors known to affect cardiovascular health.
For many people, pets provide routine, emotional support and social engagement, all of which may contribute to lower stress levels. Reduced stress is widely recognised in medical literature as a factor that can support healthier blood pressure and cardiovascular functioning.
While dogs are commonly linked with increased physical activity, some studies also suggest that cat ownership may have health implications. Research has indicated that living with cats may be associated with a lower likelihood of death related to heart attacks or strokes, possibly due to stress-reducing effects linked to companionship.
A Complementary, Not Causal, Relationship
Despite the encouraging findings, scientists consistently caution that the relationship between pet ownership and heart health should be interpreted carefully. Many studies show correlations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships.
Factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions and pre-existing health behaviours may influence both the likelihood of owning a pet and the health outcomes observed in research.
Nonetheless, the growing evidence highlights how everyday lifestyle habits—exercise, social interaction and emotional wellbeing—can shape cardiovascular health. For many individuals around the world, companion animals may play a meaningful role within that broader picture.