To mark Love Your Pet Day (20 Feb), I want to consider how pets positively impact mental health. I'll explore this through experiences with our miniature dachshund, Otto, and navigating an anxiety disorder and depression.

Six years ago I had a panic attack. It wasn't my first attack but it was the most intense. At some point, I collapsed on the living room floor, my chest heaving and all I could feel was my cheek pressing against ceramic tiles. Like most panic attacks, erratic breathing triggered the physical response, only this time, my mind also felt like an hourglass filling with sand.

When I gained some control, I crawled to the bedroom, snatched my mobile off the bedside table and propped myself up against the base of our bed. I recalled a conversation with my wife and our family doctor about contacting Lifeline.

It didn't take long until I was speaking with a Lifeline counsellor. We discussed breathing techniques and small steps to steady my mind and body — she was very patient and considerate. It was around this point that I felt my five-month-old dachshund, Otto, crouch next to me and lick sweat from my leg.

"Thank you, boy," I whimpered before opening my eyes and watching the pup.

The counsellor quickly shifted the focus to Otto and asked me all about our pup: what he looks like, how he makes me feel, even what made us want a "sausage dog". I don't imagine it was much of a conversation, but connecting with and focusing on Otto helped steady my breathing.

‘Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they're even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you're thinking and feeling.’ — Help Guide

I have no doubt that this is what Otto did that fretful day; helping to see me through the panic attack. And after researching the impact of pets (and reflecting on our seven years with Otto), it’s clear that he’s played a significant role in my mental health journey.

Otto: puppy edition

Otto keeping me company during postgrad study

Otto often attempted new tricks during the workday

Otto has tranistioned to big brother to our daughters beautifully

Physical Wellbeing

“Walkies” (verb): it’s the most obvious health benefit that comes with a dog. Despite dog domestication and walking dating back millennia, our fourth-gear age has made it challenging to find the time and patience.

I felt this impatience when we took Otto home as I was waist-deep in post-graduate study. After months of researching, writing and staring at my keyboard, I found myself an anxious mess. I seldom left home. The idea of venturing out for walks felt impossible. Despite this, I quickly noticed how walking Otto was as beneficial for me as for our growing pup. My work also became less taxing as I learned to take time out and disconnect.

‘Dog-walking offers an unrealised, but simple, community-wide solution to the challenge of human physical inactivity. One benefit is that walking can improve mental wellbeing and increase social connections for many people.’ — The Conversation

This may all seem straightforward, but during anxious and depressive periods, many of us tend to have tunnel vision and forget the importance of connecting with nature and others through exercise — not to mention the natural benefits of endorphins and Vitamin D.

Emotional Connection

Few social scenes didn’t feel debilitating amid acute anxiety and depression. The thought of conversations, especially unexpected questions, overwhelmed me. Yet these anxieties didn't take hold with Otto — likely due to his judgment-free nature — and I know that my wife was thankful that I could rest and connect with Otto for a season. Equally important, the connection that came during hours of walking with Otto, soaking up the sun and sitting quietly in parks provided days free from catastrophising thoughts.

‘The calming influence dogs have can also help reduce feelings of stress, by encouraging moments of relaxation. Relaxation is important to your mental health and can reduce symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.’ — Queensland Health

Furbaby Companionship

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute recently published that 97% of pet owners consider their pet part of the family. Further, 74% of respondents reported mental health improvements from pet ownership. These findings are worth keeping in mind when considering the rise in “furbaby” thinking: the belief that our pets are like children and offer us familial companionship. These positive connections and bonds can be seen through social media (Instagram is my pick for furbaby ❤️), but also in therapeutic terms ⤵

‘One of the reasons for therapeutic effects is that pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.’ — Help Guide

This can also be life-changing for those who struggle with mental illnesses as studies have shown that when we positively interact with pets — eg. cuddling — we receive a surge in oxytocin, a hormone linked to positive emotional states. During my depressive episodes and struggles with generalised anxiety, I've always been able to sit with Otto, have a laugh at his escapades, and experience a slowing effect when we walk and take in the world around us.

Things to consider…

The mental health benefits of pet ownership are real, but it also takes commitment, investment and time. Sadly, animal shelters are filled with loving pets who seemed like a great idea only for buyers’ remorse to kick in — especially following holiday periods! Here are some things to consider:

Time + Attention: Different pets will have different expectations and needs, but generally, pets need daily care and exercise. Dog owners should especially consider the time and energy it takes to raise a healthy canine!
Responsibility: Pets can live for decades and deserve commitment. Our pets can also inflict damage and injury if not treated responsibly. Consider your living conditions and your pet’s potential needs.
$$$: Food, vet bills, travel, cleaning, bedding, grooming, the list goes on…

Social Activity: We brought Otto home when I spent the year working from home. Like many pet owners have found during the coronavirus pandemic, I had the time and space to be present. It's essential to consider the time it takes to train your pet and whether or not it's healthy to leave them from morning to night. Remember: different animals suit different lifestyles.