Dogs are the real emotional support animals. They’re known for providing unconditional love, support and security to help individuals with mental disabilities manage their symptoms.
Researchers have found that the human-animal interactions help in activating the oxytocin system. Oxytocin is a hormone (also called cuddle or love hormone) responsible for regulating social bonding. This is the reason why a loving look by your lovable puppy gives you fuzzy feelings. However, it’s not one-sided interaction. When you interact with your puppy, its oxytocin levels also increase. In other words, while your puppy makes you feel good, you also make your puppy feel good.
Best ESA Dog Breeds For Anxiety Patients
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is one of the most popular emotional support dog breeds for anxiety sufferers. They are known for their easygoing and loving nature. They’re loyal, intelligent and friendly dogs and help individuals get off negative thoughts, loneliness, etc.
It’s an active dog that requires a significant amount of exercise daily. If you’re comfortable taking it out, a good run will be beneficial for both of you, and this can strengthen your bonds. Give this dog a little praise, and it will give you a lot of love and respect in return.
Labrador Retriever
It’s a dependable, intelligent dog breed, which learns things quickly. They love making others happy and form strong bonds. Although their size is large, but they’re not aggressive by nature. If you’re feeling low and are sitting alone, Labrador Retriever will sit at your feet. It’s the best companion and can help individuals with mental disabilities to deal with stress and anxiety. This dog is wonderful with strangers, families, and children.
Poodle
Poodles are smart and friendly dogs, which can help in stress reduction and managing symptoms of mental illnesses. They come in a variety of sizes—toy, standard, and miniature. They’re easy to train and learn things quickly. One of the best things about poodles is that they love to make their owners happy and are obedient when trained properly.
Poodles are super social dogs that are excellent at adapting to the surroundings. Usually, they live longer than other pets.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are cute dogs that can help people with depression ease their symptoms. Not only this, they’re intelligent and have a tendency to build strong bonds. They’re lovable and trainable dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier’s size is so small that you can live with it in an apartment with no outdoor space. They’re good companions and you can take them anywhere you want to.
Their loyal and affectionate behavior can help anxiety sufferers feel good and fill their lives with happiness. Those who feel lonely, Yorkies can provide company to help them boost mood.
Boxer
Boxers are popular emotional support dogs for anxiety patients. Using their natural sense, they can easily know when you feel sad and unhappy. When they are happy, they are very entertaining and funny. Boxers like being around with people and they follow their owners in case they sense something isn’t right.
Covering it up—dogs provide ultimate love, companionship, and comfort to help patients with mental illnesses like anxiety to deal with their symptoms. Under the federal laws, Air Carrier Access Act and Fair Housing Amendment Act, flying and living with an ESA is allowed, and you don’t have to pay any extra pet deposits or fees for that. There’s a wide range of dog breeds available, and it’s necessary to choose the right one that suits your style and condition. Some of the best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety are—poodle, golden retriever, boxer, and yorkshire terrier.
To avail ESA benefits, apply for your emotional support dog letter today.
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