How to Use Dogs to Lower Blood Pressure

Although there are many medications that can effectively lower a person's high blood pressure, dogs have long been acknowledged as a natural way to lower it. According to WebMD, at least 25 years worth of research indicates the ability of dogs and other pets to ease hypertension and improve other conditions in their owners. There are several ways that dogs can be used to lower blood pressure, and all of them are easy to work into your life.

Instructions

• 1

  Use the dog to reduce stress by petting it, giving it attention and enjoying the attention that it gives in return. Stress can trigger physical symptoms, including increased blood pressure. Feeling the unconditional love expressed by a dog after a stressful day can ease the stress and related symptoms. A study by the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that pet-owning stockbrokers who were being treated for high blood pressure were less likely to experience a stress-related spike than those who did not.

• 2

  Use the dog to lessen anxiety by petting it and interacting when you feel worried, anxious or panicky. According to WebMD, dogs can reduce anxiety, offsetting the higher heart rate than can be caused by worry and panic attacks. When you are feeling anxious, redirecting your attention to the dog and engaging in a repetitive motion like petting can help release the anxiety and its associated symptoms.

• 3

  Use the dog to increase exercise, which can increase cardiovascular health. By building up your heart and overall health, you can often lower your blood pressure. Most dogs love to go for a walk, so you can create a regular schedule of daily strolls to give you more exercise. Even children benefit from play and activity with dogs. A study of elementary students in Israel showed that the increased activity of owning a dog had a positive effect in their blood pressure.

• 4

  Use the dog to increase social interactions, which can help you to build a wider human support system. WebMD says that dogs are excellent conversation starters. Even though most of these conversations will be centered on the dog and be relatively superficial, they can lead to deeper interactions and even friendships. If you have more friends, that gives you a stronger support system, which can release your overall stress level. This can result in lower blood pressure.