Pets help lower our blood pressure, but do we return the favor?

My dog Lucy

A few years ago, the assertion that petting your dog could lower your blood pressure was ‘fringe’. I wanted to see what the overall perception was now and set to surfing for info. The ASPCA, Humane Society and American Veterinary Medical Association  and even the CDC and NIH all state it plainly on their websites complete with studies cited. Various universities studied it on the elderly, college students and Wall Street execs with high pressure jobs. But I found something surprising. They now recommend you get your pet's blood pressure taken and that some pets do indeed have high blood pressure.

Having a pet companion is de-stressing for most people and this is what leads to the lowering or mitigating the hypertension induced blood pressure problems.  The relaxation response is a physical change in the body that takes place when we engage in pleasurable activities; say like petting a kitten or getting a massage. As a massage therapist I know the signs. The client will heave a heavy sigh, and may start to doze or ‘zone out’.  Pets do the same thing. Take the time several times a week to stroke, massage and pet your dog or cat until they reach this level.  Cat owners know the all familiar signs of purring and the rolling back of the eyes. Cats chill pretty easily. Some dogs take longer. But if you are slow and persistent, dogs too will sigh and zone out, often followed by yawns, slobber, a single flopping tail-wag and twitches much like humans do just as they doze off.                                                   

I have been volunteering at our Orange County Animal Shelter now for months. Something most people don’t know is that every animal they have are animals that were dropped off by owners who either were no longer capable of taking care of them or who just didn’t want to anymore. When animals first arrive you can imagine how stressed they are. They can be confused, fearful and highly anxious.  Back in December, I heard a new beagle was extremely nervous. Nervous dogs don’t get adopted much. I took a peanut butter treat made by another volunteer to his kennel. He wouldn’t touch it. He was afraid of me. I put the treat down and backed off. Still not interested. I went in and sat a couple of feet away and talked to him using his name often. He let me stroke his back with one finger. Then he slowly inch by inch moved closer. In 15 minutes he was leaning against my leg and I was scratching behind his ears. He was much calmer and I felt very good. I am sure we both lowered our blood pressures.

 It is nice that all those studies have determined that seeing someone in need and filling that need not only makes you happy but is also good for your health. Next time you pet your dog or your cat, don't just 'pet', but massage him/her. Really aim to get them as relaxed as you can. Take your time. If you don't have a pet, think about adopting one. The are more than enough needs that need filling.

Flickr commons

 For more info: Orange County Animal Shelter; Adopt;