Please welcome our guest writer, Jessica Brody from ourbestfriends.com.
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It will come as no surprise to most people that dogs make people happy. However, the effects of canine interaction go beyond a simple mood lift. According to Time, dog owners tend to live longer, happier and healthier lives. If you are suffering from a mental health disorder, getting a dog may just be the best thing you could do to help. Read on for tips from Dr. Nicole Galante on how to determine if a dog can provide the healing and comfort you need.
How Can A Dog Help?
While many other animals can and have been used for emotional support, dogs remain the most popular option for a few reasons.
Playing with and cuddling a dog fulfills the human need to touch and provides a soothing effect on the brain.
Dogs are highly empathetic. They can tell when you are down and feel compelled to help.
Their playful attitude can be a positive influence and a relief from the stresses of life.
Dogs push people to go out the house, offering plenty of opportunity for exercise and socialization (e.g: training classes, playdates, dog park visits), both of which are great for mental health.
They can relieve loneliness for people who live on their own.
They provide a sense of responsibility and, for people with severe depression, a reason to live and to get better.
Which Dog To Choose?
Not all dogs are perfect as emotional support animals and some are more suited to some disorders than others. If you have depression, you need a dog that is happy, excitable and loves to cuddle. You can opt for a more high-energy breed, but they should be trained to behave in public. According to Bustle, good examples include Labradors and Golden Retrievers. If your mental health issues are related anxiety or PTSD, you still need a dog that enjoys physical contact, but you may need a calmer breed. Saint Bernards, Corgis and Dachshunds are good options.
Overall, any dog that is calm and likes human contact is ideal for mental health support. You should also consider other aspects such as time, budget and activity to choose a breed that fits in with your lifestyle.
Therapy Dog or Pet?
Therapy dogs for people with mental health illnesses vary slightly from the service dogs used by people with physical disabilities, which are trained to fulfill specific tasks. An emotional support dog doesn’t have to fulfill a specific purpose: They’re just there to make you happier. This distinction is important because despite what many people think, therapy dogs do not have to be allowed into private businesses like service dogs do. The main benefits of therapy dogs are being entitled to live and travel by air with the animal.
If you decide a therapy dog is the right choice, you’ll need to obtain a letter of recommendation from your therapist or doctor. A professional should give you a letter based on whether they feel a therapy dog would help you and whether you are in a condition to maintain one.
Prepare Your Home for a Dog
Once you’ve made the decision to bring home a furry friend, you need to gather all the necessities. This includes a bed, possibly a crate, a leash or harness, a collar, food and water dishes, toys and dog food. If you have a large backyard that’s unfenced, it would be wise to consider installing a fence. Particularly if you’re bringing home a younger dog with a lot of energy. A fenced-in area offers a place to safely play, and it provides protection for your pup. Bear in mind that when you want to have a fence built, it’s important to order a land survey. Knowing the exact measurements of your property boundaries will ensure you don’t infringe on your neighbors, which can lead to pricey legal disputes.
There’s a reason why dogs have consistently been man’s best friend for millennia. Even our oldest ancestors, when domesticating wolves for things like hunting and protection, benefited from the companionship a dog can bring. Dogs are unfalteringly loyal, unconditionally loving, and intelligent enough to understand sadness, empathy, and comfort. When you add the fact that they are furry, adorable, and a delight to spend time with, it becomes obvious why they are an incredible source of mental health relief.
In your continued efforts to find balance, consider healing therapies offered by Dr. Nicole Galante. Through sound or healing sessions or even guided meditation, Dr. Galante wants to help you on your healing journey.