Australians have a deep love for dogs, with one of the highest rates of pet ownership globally—half of all households include at least one dog. But how beneficial are they to our health?

While companionship is the top reason people get a dog, mental health support comes in a close second. Many of us even claim we “feel healthier” thanks to our furry friends, allowing them to sleep in our bedrooms.

Mike is joined by Professor Tania Signal, Deputy Dean of Research at CQUniversity’s School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, to explore the impact of sharing our homes, and our beds, with our canine companions on both physical and mental well-being.