A Cumbrian vet has spoken out about the role pets play in supporting mental health.
Graham Lewis, a small animal vet at Paragon Veterinary Group in Dalston, has highlighted the positive impact of pets during Mental Health Awareness Month and National Walking Month.
Mr Lewis said: “The benefits of owning pets are sometimes overlooked but research – and many people’s first-hand experience – shows they can be a hugely positive influence in our lives, helping us with mental health, fitness, and difficult experiences like bereavement.”
He pointed to studies suggesting that dog ownership, for example, improves cardiovascular function, increases physical activity and reduces stress.
Dogs and other pets are also credited with helping owners maintain daily routines, build connections in the community, and provide comfort during times of loneliness.
Mr Lewis said: “Pets provide great companionship, they provide routine in the day and also require exercise which is another natural antidepressant.”
A study cited by Mr Lewis found pet owners to be 41 per cent less depressed than non-pet owners, while a separate UK survey reported that 87 per cent of dog owners felt their pets made them mentally healthier.
He also noted that regular exercise, such as walking a dog, can reduce depressive episodes by up to 25 per cent.
Dog owner Jacqui Dally, from Thursby, shared how her five-year-old Labrador Matty makes a huge difference to her wellbeing.
Ms Dally said: “I live alone and have done so for some time now, so Matty is my companion who keeps me very active.
“I broke my ankle two years ago. I recovered quickly as I wanted him home with me, but I knew I would have to be able to walk him. I was therefore on my feet as soon as I could be.
“Matty is the reason I get out of bed every day and he is an absolute joy to be around.”
Donna Hall, a registered veterinary nurse at Paragon who lives in Hethersgill, rescued her Border Collie, Midget.
Ms Hall said: “I got her when she was three months old. A farmer had an accidental litter and was going to shoot her.”
Midget became a source of strength when Donna’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and later passed away in 2020.
She said: “When my mum was sick with terminal cancer I had to really step up and take care of her. When I lost her in 2020, I really struggled. I didn’t enjoy anything anymore, I didn’t even enjoy my horses.
“I always called Midget my little ray of sunshine. There was always one point in the day when she had me smiling and she got me out of the house to walk her.”
Ms Hall, who lost her mother Josie at just 24 years old, said the pandemic made the situation even harder.
She said: “I was off work sick looking after mum and then I was put on furlough. It was just me and Midget and mum in the house at that time.
“It was nice to always wake up to Midget and to come home to her once I had got back into work.
“I came back to work and was signed off again, but she was always my constant.”
Speaking about the role dogs play in supporting mental health, she said: “Just from cheering you up or having the company, it’s nice to know your dog will always love you.”
