Having a pet doesn’t just make our lives fuller, it may also make our lives longer! In fact, nearly all doctors agree that companion pets have health-boosting benefits.

In honor of American Heart Month, we created an infographic featuring just a few of the ways our best friends keep our hearts beating stronger. Check it out below.

After learning about the health benefits your pet can provide, you can give back to your pet by keeping them healthy with first aid, eye and ear, and grooming products from Vetericyn.

Why Owning a Pet is Good For Your Heart

Petting a dog or cat can reduce blood pressure response to stress by 50% in people taking medication for hypertension.

Spending just a few minutes with a pet can lower anxiety and blood pressure and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.

Dog owners are 54% more likely to meet recommended levels of weekly physical activity.

Cat owners are 28% less likely to die of a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases than people who have never had a pet cat.

Pet owners over age 65 make 30% fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.