Research Claims Pets Make Us Mentally Unwell

Well, it's not the news animal lovers want today.. but US researchers reckon those puppy eyes could be making us depressed! 

The Veterinary Record study claims pet owners put as much pressure and effort into looking after their pet as they would for another human family member. 

The team of researchers say it's that pressure and effort that leaves us open to an increased likelihood of suffering from stress, depression and anxiety. 

The research leader, Mary Spitznagel, says that "caregiver burden" - the challenges faced when caring for a sick family member - was found in pet owners too.