Lorraine Kelly: Healthier, happier and with a warm welcome – it’s a dog’s life for me

I LOVE the idea of doctors “prescribing” dogs to pensioners to make their lives healthier and happier.

I have always firmly believed that having a pet pooch can be good for your health.

I remember taking our late, and now much missed border terrier, Rocky, out for long walks which obviously did me as much good as it did him.

We both got lots of exercise and fresh air, without really feeling that I was doing any exercise, but there was also the fact that he made me feel cheerier.

And there is nothing like coming home to an enthusiastic welcome from your dog.

That sort of adoration never fails to lift your spirits.

What GPs have been advised to do by experts at Glasgow Caledonian University is to encourage older people to get themselves a dog, because the health benefits are enormous.

It claims, on average, that dog owners get up and go outside for least 20 minutes every day, often even longer.

Having a dog and taking it out for a walk means that you easily achieve the recommended 10,000 daily steps that keep you fit and well.

This sort of gentle exercise cuts the chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 40% as well as reducing potential heart problems and even dementia and cancer risk.

Having a dog gets you out of the house, stops you sitting in front of the TV or computer like a couch potato and they are also wonderful companions if you are feeling a bit lonely.

So it’s not just your physical health that benefits, you also feel better mentally.

So “prescription dogs” are a cracking idea that should be brought into action as soon as possible.

Perhaps there could be some sort of scheme to help with the cost of food.

I’d also encourage people to look for their dogs in rescue homes and to give an older dog a chance of a happy life.

It’s such a sensible idea and should be actively encouraged.