Dogs play an important role in a person’s life. They can make their owner happier and feel loved. Owning a dog can also provide several physical and emotional benefits. But some dogs do more than just show affection. The use of service dogs has skyrocketed during the past years because these dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help individuals with disabilities.

To get a service dog, you first need to know the basics. Note that they’re not emotional support animals or therapy dogs, which aren’t as trained as they are. This article defines service dogs and explains how you can get one.

What Is a Service Dog and What Are These Dogs Used For?

A service dog, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.”   

If you have a physical or mental condition that can limit your daily activities, you can be qualified to get a service dog. For example, service dogs can guide people with visual impairments while walking. They can also use signals to warn the deaf or alert people when someone is to have a seizure or cardiac arrest. There are also psychiatric service dogs that assist individuals with mental disorders.

Overall, people with disabilities can be safer with service dogs on their side. And today, different breeds of dogs are trained to do complex tasks to better assist their owners. 

How to Qualify for a Service Dog

To qualify for a service dog, you must first have a disability that falls under the ADA’s definition of disability. But don’t worry. There’s a wide range of physical and mental disabilities that may qualify for service dogs. Here are some examples:

• Partial or complete blindness
• partial or complete hearing loss
• Epilepsy
• Autism
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression or Anxiety
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Get documentation from your doctor to prove that you currently have a condition that may require assistance from an animal. Keep in mind that the dog should be trained to do tasks that specifically relate to your condition. 

Steps to Get a Service Dog 

Before you decide to get a service dog, you should first consider whether you can take care of an animal or not. Owning a service dog means taking the responsibility to properly feed, clean, and protect them.

Once you’ve considered all the responsibilities of owning a service dog, follow the steps below.

1. Get documentation from a healthcare provider. Your doctor should state that you need a service animal to assist you because of your disability.

2. Get a permit or apply to an organization that provides service dogs. Submit all the necessary requirements and fill out all the application forms. This is to make sure that you have the capability to take care of the dog.

3. Choose a dog breed. Determine which dog breed can follow your lifestyle. The most popular service dog breeds are labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and german shepherd dogs.

4. Get to know your new friend. Take your time to get comfortable with your service dog. You can regularly take a walk or constantly talk with your dog.

5. Follow-up lessons. Most service dog providers will inform you to occasionally visit their office so your dog can have some follow-up training.

Conclusion 

Note that you can’t quickly get a service dog. Training a service dog takes time, especially when you’re training your own dog. This is why some people would rather get a service dog from others who have already trained it.

Read more articles here!

• Dogs Can Sniff Out These 5 Health Problems In Humans
• Service Dogs for OCD: How Can They Help?
• Tips On Training Your Own Service Dog

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Dogs are man’s best friend, but it’s not just because they’re cute and adorable. We have a strong relationship with them because dogs are extremely good at reading us.

Dogs can read us through our body language and their extreme sense of smell. In fact, dogs possess up to 300 million scent receptors in their nose, and their brain analyzes smell 40x more efficiently than ours. In fact, their smell is so powerful that they can detect substances at one part per trillion concentration. This is equivalent to a single drop of food coloring in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools!

Dogs can even detect our feelings. This may explain why they’re very effective emotional support and service animals for people suffering from mental health conditions like depression and autism. But aside from being sensitive to human emotions, recent studies show that trained dogs can smell several human diseases. So, if you have medical conditions, trained service dogs can warn you before exhibiting symptoms.   

Here are five medical conditions that trained service dogs can detect. 

1. Cancer

One of the most studied conditions that dogs can detect is cancer. They can smell different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer. They can detect early stages of cancer in blood samples, breath samples, and urine samples with high accuracy.[1] 

Dogs change in behavior once they think you have a medical condition. They may look sad or repeatedly paw or sniff the area with cancer. These may be subtle behavioral changes, but you should take note of them and double-check with your doctor. 

Read more: Top Things You Should Know About Service Dogs 

2. Diabetes

Researchers have observed that dogs can monitor hypoglycemia in people with diabetes.[2] By smelling your breath, dogs can detect if you have too low or too high blood sugar levels. That is because of the chemical isoprene that significantly rises in your breath during an episode of low blood sugar. [3]

Trained dogs notify their owners when they have low and high glycemic levels by jumping up, pawing, or nudging the owner. Untrained dogs may show signs of discomfort or anxiety.

3. Malaria 

A recent study showed that trained dogs can detect malaria by sniffing people’s socks. This is because people infected with malaria produce a specific odor from their breath and skin.[4] For places that are close to eliminating malaria, dogs can sniff out the people who are asymptomatic carriers, which can prevent another outbreak.

4. Seizures

Seizures can be very unpredictable for people with epilepsy, and there are still no tools or instruments that can predict seizures in a domestic setting. Trained dogs were shown to notify their owners right before a seizure appeared. 

Dogs display subtle behavioral changes like licking their owner’s faces and wrists or standing next to their owner before their owner experiences a seizure. [5]

Read more: 5 Nutrition Tips for Service Dogs

5. Narcolepsy 

Narcolepsy is a medical condition that affects the sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep, even when they’re walking or in the middle of doing something. 

A study showed that trained service dogs can detect narcolepsy patients using sweat samples. They can warn their owners up to five minutes before a narcolepsy attack occurs. Dogs trained to detect narcolepsy warn their owners by barking, nudging, licking, or standing next to them.

Conclusion 

If you’re suffering from these medical conditions, you can get a trained service dog to warn and assist you. They are indeed very helpful, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop seeing your doctor. Note that dogs still cannot replace standard laboratory testing.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

We tend to feel lonely as we grow older. Our children may get busy with their lives, and we may be placed in a senior care facility. Feeling lonely is normal, but it doesn’t have to affect you negatively. One of the ways to combat loneliness is with the companionship of a pet.

Pets help improve the well-being of people at any age level. They give us joy, company, and purpose in our daily lives. This is why people with depression and anxiety are encouraged to have pet therapy. And seniors can have them too! Studies show that pet therapy can improve our elders’ overall quality of life, especially those suffering from mental health conditions. [1] 

This article discusses pet therapy and how senior citizens can benefit from it.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, also referred to as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a guided interaction of a person or patient with a trained emotional support animal. The most common animals used in pet therapy are cats and dogs, but birds, rabbits, and horses can also be used. 

When your doctor suggests you take pet therapy, a trained handler takes the animal to your home or retirement community. This allows you to experience the benefits of interacting with pets without the responsibility of pet ownership. 

What are the Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors?

Pet therapy gives you an opportunity to form a bond with a friendly animal. With that, your mental, emotional, and physical health may improve. Here are scientifically proven benefits of pet therapy. [2]

1. Decreases stress levels 

Cortisol is a chemical released in your brain that triggers you to be more alert. But when there’s too much cortisol, it makes you more stressed. Pet therapy lowers cortisol levels, making you calmer and more relaxed. 

Read more: Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress in Life

2. Lowers the feeling of isolation and loneliness 

A survey showed that loneliness in senior citizens from long-term care facilities improved with AAT.[3] This may be due to the increased serotonin, a chemical associated with satisfaction, happiness, and optimism. Pets act as natural antidepressants because they make us laugh, smile, and feel better.   

3. Lowers blood pressure and cardiovascular risk 

Studies show that pet therapy significantly decreases blood pressure and heart rate, which can lower the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.[4] This may be due to the calming effect brought by the companionship of pets. In addition, walking with pets like dogs is a form of moderate exercise that can help us be physically active. 

4. Improves mood 

Interactions with pets allow our bodies to release more oxytocin and dopamine. [5] Oxytocin and dopamine are also known as the love and happy hormones, respectively. Increased levels of these hormones results in lower anxiety and higher satisfaction. It helps seniors gain a more positive outlook on life. 

5. Increases social interaction 

Animals listen to us without any biased judgment. When seniors are uncomfortable sharing some of their thoughts with family or friends, they can talk to animals instead. 

Conclusion

If a senior is active enough to properly care for a pet, they can opt to own a pet. Owning a pet may mean more responsibilities, but the good news is that you will have a companion every day. However, keep in mind that pet therapy doesn’t replace the love that our elders feel from their families. So, hug your grandparents and give them the love and attention that they need.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

In the past few years, many individuals going through anxiety and depression have turned to animals for emotional support. Pets have always been a unique source of comfort through companionship and helping people cope with stress. When you feel overwhelmed, they can act as a familiar friend that provides a sense of calmness and reassurance.  

Although cats and dogs are the most common choice, emotional support animals (ESA) can come in all shapes, sizes, and species. It may surprise you, but even the most unusual animals can be excellent ESAs. Recently, reptiles have become a popular choice for therapy animals, especially bearded dragons. 

Are Bearded Dragons Eligible to be Emotional Support Animals?

Yes, they are! In fact, any domestic animal can be eligible for ESA, as long as they don’t cause problems for other people or animals when out in public. What makes bearded dragons great ESA is that they’re easy to carry around and don’t interact much with other animals. They’re also harmless, don’t need as much attention as dogs, and can easily accompany you wherever you go. 

How Can They Help You Emotionally?

Like any other animal, bearded dragons are sentient beings capable of feeling pleasure, suffering, and emotional pain. Moreover, they have compassion, can respond to negative or positive happenings, and can bond with their human companions. These traits can be beneficial for people with anxiety and depression. A bearded dragon’s presence can help provide comfort, alleviate loneliness, and reduce stress, especially during challenging situations. 

Owning a bearded dragon requires responsibility, and caring for them can give you feelings of satisfaction and pride. It gives you a sense of purpose. And when you see your pet thriving, it can also make you feel good about yourself and boost your confidence.

Another benefit of bearded dragons is that they’re excellent conversation starters, making social interactions much more comfortable for their owners. The best part is, when you’re in a social gathering, you don’t have to find the right thing to say to someone. People may simply start talking to you and may ask questions about your reptile friend.   

Care Tips for Bearded Dragons

While reptiles are not as demanding as mammals, they still need some tender loving care. Bearded dragons need live food and a particular habitat to survive. That said, here are some tips on how to care for your bearded dragons.

• Provide the proper vivarium. For one adult bearded dragon, you’ll need at least a 120cm long x 60cm high x 60 cm wide vivarium. Make sure it’s secure, well-ventilated, spacious, and easy to clean. This will keep your bearded dragon safe, especially when you’re not around. 

• Set the right temperature and lighting. Since reptiles are cold-blooded, their vivarium must maintain a temperature that ranges from a hotter (38 to 42 degrees Celsius) bright end to a cooler (22 to 26 degrees Celcius) shaded end. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and keep it low.

• Feed them the proper diet. Feed your bearded dragon with live insects and vegetables. Examples of live foods include crickets, mealworms, and king worms. For vegetables, sweet potato, pepper, kale, and parsley are great options. 

Conclusion

A bearded dragon may not be your first choice, but it can be an excellent emotional support animal. Their small size makes it easier to carry them and accompany you while traveling. They can be adorable creatures, especially if you’re into reptiles. Plus, caring for them is not as demanding as cats and dogs. If bearded dragons can help dissolve some of the loneliness that accompanies your anxiety and depression, then they’re perfect for you. In the end, it doesn’t matter what pet you choose, as long as they can provide you with comfort, love, and companionship.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Humans have a fundamental need for touch, and pets can fulfill that need.

Pets are more than just your cute possessions. They are your companions who give you their love and attention. And one of the best ways to make your day better is cuddling with your pet.

Studies show that cuddling with pets can significantly improve your overall well-being. This article explains the benefits of cuddling pets in more detail.

1. It relieves stress

No one can escape stress, but having a pet helps us deal with stress better. 

According to some studies, interacting with pets helps pet owners react to stress less robustly and recover from it more immediately. Why? Because cuddling with pets can reduce your cortisol level, which is our primary stress hormone. Cortisol is our body’s alarm system. It controls your mood, motivation, and fear. It also regulates your blood sugar and blood pressure, but when you have too much cortisol, your alarm system stays on and makes you more stressed. Hugging and stroking your pet creates a calming effect and helps you be more relaxed.

Read more: Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress in Life

2. It helps you combat depression and anxiety 

In the long run, having a pet can help relieve anxiety and depression. Physical interaction with a dog or cat, including belly rubs and ear scratches, provides an overall improvement in your mood and well-being.

Playing with your pet can also increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are the feel-good chemicals in our body. These make us feel more upbeat and satisfied throughout the day.

3. It has physical health benefits

Because cuddling with your pet lowers your stress hormone, it will also affect your physical well-being. For example, it can lower your heart rate, decrease your blood pressure, and even stimulate muscle regeneration.

One study found that people with borderline hypertension who adopted dogs had significantly reduced blood pressure within five months. Researchers also observed that owning a pet dog could be linked to a lower risk of suffering from heart disease, especially for those who lived alone.

4. It strengthens your bond with your pet

When cuddling with your pet, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, making you feel good and want to cuddle them more. Furthermore, both you and your dog also release oxytocin which stimulates your feeling of happiness and love. As a result, you can feel the love for each other, deepening the bond between you.

Read more: 9 Creative Ways to Get Your Cat to Exercise

5. It eases your pain

A survey conducted in 2019 showed that pets have the potential to help adults cope with chronic pain. Engaging with their pet keeps them going even when their pain flares up.

Cuddling with your pet can elevate positive feelings, which are associated with less pain. In addition, it can help you manage your mood more and be more relaxed when faced with emotional or physical pain.

Conclusion 

Cuddling with your pet will not entirely solve your problem, but it can definitely comfort you and give you a more positive outlook on life. So, go cuddle your pet, buddy! It will not only help your well-being, but it will also make your pet a lot happier.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Are your kids being irritable or annoying? Did their sleeping pattern or their eating habits change? Are they constantly crying or making you worried? 

Chances are your kids are feeling stressed. 

Even though they seem to have fewer problems, children are still prone to stress. Your kid may be frustrated because of school or because they don’t like what they are doing. Even showing how stressed you are can make them feel sad or anxious because they can absorb the feelings of people around them.

Since children are not old enough to understand and manage their feelings, caring parents like you can help them. We have listed some tips for you to help your kids manage stress.

1. Consider getting an emotional support animal (ESA). 

Emotional support animals provide comfort and help lessen anxiety. They can be cats, dogs, rabbits, or others as long as they can make your children smile and feel more positive. These animals can be your children’s best friends and constant companions when they are feeling down. 

2. Introduce them to a hobby.

Sometimes, children are stressed because of too much exposure to electronic devices. For example, the violence and sexuality in some videos they watched can affect their mindset. And because they take too much time in front of their screens, they may lose interest in developing new hobbies. Creating a new and healthy hobby, such as painting rocks or building things from scratch will distract them from negativities and help them feel more excited during the day.

3. Teach them how to deal with mistakes. 

Some children are stressed because they worry their parents will be too disappointed when they make a mistake. Most teens develop negative thinking, especially in school. Start by letting them know it’s okay to make mistakes when it occurs. Help them understand that their mistakes do not result in catastrophic things. So instead of being stressed, help them think of ways to improve themselves.

4. Be a good example.

While developing, children tend to copy their parents. If you manage your stress poorly, your children will probably do the same. So be a good example to them by showing how it’s done. Start by showing them how to take deep breaths, or do yoga and meditation. If you are presented with struggles, face them with calmness and objectivity. 

5. Be there for them.

One of the most effective ways to manage stress is knowing that you are loved. Sometimes, children just need their parents to be there for them to listen to their rants and to be the shoulder to cry on. You reading this article means you genuinely care about your children, so just show them that. If it is hard for you to express your love, start by just asking how they are. Have a two-sided conversation, and don’t invalidate their feelings by saying, “I have experienced worse” or “you are just overreacting.”

Conclusion 

Open up to your child so that it becomes easier for them to open up about their feelings. They will become independent eventually, and they will be able to manage their stress as they grow up. For now, just give them lots of love and attention, and let them know that they’re not alone.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

For people with emotional or mental challenges, having an emotional support dog keeps them emotionally stable and helps them in their everyday lives.

Dogs are known to be great and loyal companions. They allow us to become more active and reduce our stress levels, but some people need dogs that are more than just companions. Those suffering from anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental conditions need emotional support animals (ESA) as a natural form of therapy that will help them function normally. 

Dogs are the most common emotional support animals because they are attuned to human emotions and provide unconditional affection. Emotional support dogs can vary in breed and size, but if you want cute dogs that can easily be carried or are suited for small apartments, small-sized dogs are great for you! 

Here are seven of the best small dog breeds to consider based on their personality and grooming.

1. Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their long silky white coats and big expressive eyes. They’re very loyal and they enjoy playtime as much as they love being cozy on your lap. As support animals, they’re always nearby and will soothe you with some lick and snuggle. If you want a long-coated Maltese, you will need to brush it occasionally but you can always clip the coat short for easier maintenance.

2. Corgi

Corgis constantly need activity, and they have very high alertness. Their protective and friendly personality makes them very good ESA candidates. Their playful characteristics and cute behaviors can lessen your negative emotions. Grooming them can be quite a hassle since they’re heavy shedders. 

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds of dogs but they have a very large personality. They’re very loyal and very protective (sometimes overprotective) of their parents. Long-haired and short-haired chihuahuas are moderate shedders but the long-haired ones need frequent brushing, especially during their shedding season which is usually during spring or fall.

4. Dachshund

Also known as sausage dogs, the dachshunds are long-bodied and short-legged breeds. Because they’re bred as hunters, they’re very courageous and vigilant. People with depression may be affected by the playful and active personality of dachshunds. Grooming them will not be a problem as most dachshunds have short coats and do not tend to shed.

5. Shih Tzu

Aside from their charming eyes and tiny faces, Shih Tzus have attracted many people because of their jolly and friendly personalities. They’re great emotional support animals because they crave their owner’s attention and they’re relatively calm and relaxed. Occasional brushing is required when maintaining the long flowing coat of Shih Tzus but you can also keep their coat short to avoid frequent maintenance.

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you want an affectionate and gentle lap buddy, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is just the right one for you. Because of their adaptability, these breeds can be playful or relaxed depending on their owner’s needs. However, they are heavy shedders so you may find hairs on your couch or your sheets.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a great emotional support dog for allergy-prone individuals due to its hypo-allergenic coats. This breed is very affectionate, cheerful, easily trained, and alert to strangers. Bichons also hardly shed so they can be brushed just two to three times a week.

Conclusion

Each of these small furry friends has unique features and personalities, so make sure you find the most compatible with you and your needs! Although they have a small size, they may develop some negative behaviors, which is why proper training and socializing are necessary.

Read more posts here! 

• Examples of Emotional Support Animals That Aren’t Dogs
• 7 Qualities That Would Make Your Pet a Good Emotional Support Animal
• 5 Ways Pets Can Reduce Stress

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

A lot of people these days deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis, whether due to their work environment, family problems, health issues, and other obligations that make them feel overwhelmed. Different factors also cause a person to be more vulnerable to high levels of stress, such as their personality traits and coping mechanisms.

If you’re dealing with stress in your daily life, it’s important to manage it so that you can stay healthy and lower your risk of depression. This article lists proven ways to relieve stress. 

Have an emotional support animal. 

Emotional support animals, whether dogs, cats, ferrets, or rabbits, are known to offer companionship. The simple act of stroking and hugging these animals will provide an immediate relief from stress and anxiety. Dogs, in particular, provide their owners with plenty of opportunities to go outside and engage in exercise, which boosts emotional well-being.

Read more: Examples of Emotional Support Animals That Aren’t Dogs

Make time for your hobbies. 

Enjoyable activities, such as reading, playing a musical instrument, cooking, and gardening allow you to recharge your battery and relax. In fact, if you feel understimulated, hobbies can be a form of eustress. It’s the kind of stress that actually benefits you without feeling like work. You’re challenged but you’re enjoying what you do.

Bond with your pet. 

If you don’t legally have an emotional support animal, interacting with your furry friend at home is good for your mental health. Teach them some tricks. Hand feed them from time to time. Schedule time for play. Add some yummy treats to their food, such as boiled eggs, salmon bites, and natural cheese.

Read more: 7 Qualities That Would Make Your Pet a Good Emotional Support Animal

Follow a healthy diet.

You’d probably agree that being stressed all the time increases your likelihood to reach for foods that are high in sugar and processed. While sugar makes you feel good temporarily, it eventually increases your stress levels. Minimize your intake of desserts, chips, and soda.  Instead, prioritize whole foods. Meat, fish, chicken, salad greens, and nuts ensure that your body is well-nourished. Proper nutrition makes you more resilient to stress.

Create boundaries.

How comfortable are you with certain things? This question helps you gain an understanding of your personal boundaries. Something that bothers you may not have the same effect on other people, which is why you need to know what you’re comfortable with. If you find yourself feeling more resentful and “doing more for others,” then it’s a sign that you should learn to say NO. Learn assertive communication techniques. 

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, consider seeing a therapist if stress and negativity are preventing you from making positive changes in your life. Taking the weight off your shoulders will protect you in the long term. 

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Humans and dogs share a very close and special bond that allows them to benefit from each other. Service dogs, in particular, can be helpful to our physical and mental well-being. They also help people suffering from mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). 

Sometimes the calming effects of service dogs are more beneficial to individuals with OCD than relying their treatments solely on medication. Believe it or not, the mere presence of dogs can significantly make you feel loved and comfortable, especially during the most challenging times of your life.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental disorder that causes a pattern of unwanted thoughts, ideas, fears,  or sensations (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to achieve temporary relief from anxiety. When these obsessions and compulsions become severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, they can cause significant distress and result in a poor quality of life. 

Attempting to ignore your obsessions will only exacerbate the situation and lead to more distress and anxiety. You may try to ease your stress by giving in to your urges to perform compulsive acts, but the effects will not last very long. These obsessions and compulsions will keep coming back despite your efforts to get rid of them, which leads to the vicious cycle of OCD. 

OCD Signs and Symptoms

Every individual is unique and will have different responses when faced with mental health conditions. Therefore, no two people will have the same experiences, and symptoms may vary across the OCD spectrum. 

Here are a few examples of obsessions signs and symptoms: 

• Feeling intense stress when objects aren’t orderly or facing a certain way
• Worries about yourself or other people getting hurt
• Fear of being contaminated by people or the things they’ve touched
• Unpleasant sexual images
• Doubts about turning the cooker off or locking the door

Some of the typical compulsion signs and symptoms include:

• Need to arrange and order things a certain way
• Constantly asking for reassurance
• Constant cleaning and hand-washing
• Thinking of “neutralizing” thoughts to counter unpleasant images in your head
• Repeatedly checking if the doors are locked or if the gas is off

How Can Service Dogs Help 

Experts believe that dogs have a sixth sense that allows them to determine when you’re stressed or tensed. Dogs are also emotional and are more than capable of showing care, concern, and attentiveness through body language and voice. That said, here are a few ways service dogs can help with OCD:

• Pressure and Warmth Stimulation, Tactile Stimulation, and Deep Pressure Therapy – Service dogs know how to apply deep pressure stimulation on their handler’s chest or lap. This technique can help OCD individuals feel more grounded, regulate emotions, offer a therapeutic diversion to a crisis, or simply provide comfort.

• Grounding or Anchoring – Anxiety, phobias, and other types of distress can make you feel trapped in your mind. Practicing grounding techniques can help bring your focus to your physical existence or surroundings. A service dog can help ground their handler through tactile contact, pressure treatment, interaction, or any other therapeutic means to help calm their handler.

• Medical Alert or Reminder – A service dog, particularly a psychiatric service dog, undergoes special training to detect the early stages of a health emergency, such as changes in breathing patterns, increased heart rate, or imminent muscle spasms. When a service dog senses their handler is experiencing any of these medical episodes, they will alert them to prevent further complications. 

In addition, they can also remind their handlers whenever it’s time to take medications, go to bed, or perform other daily routines throughout the day.

Dogs are adorable creatures that can make anyone feel special and loved. Owning and caring for a service dog can be very therapeutic, especially for people with OCD. Service dogs don’t only offer companionship crucial for your social life, but they can also help manage your OCD and prevent your disorder from interfering with your daily activities. 

If you have OCD and want to continue living independently without compromising your quality of life, consider applying to own a service dog and let them guide you on your recovery journey.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Giving your dog a treat is one way to show them your affection. However, as much as we want to indulge our furry companions, feeding them too many treats is not a good idea. Not only does it spoil a dog’s appetite for actual meals, but it can also make them overweight and unhealthy. 

Dog treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total caloric intake. This is especially true for service dogs or therapy dogs, who follow a strict diet and eating schedule. Thankfully, there are healthier and more natural dog treats you can easily access in your kitchen. This article lists five options for treats that your dog can eat safely. 

1. Carrots

Carrots are affordable, easy to prepare, and can be eaten raw or cooked, making them ideal for your dogs’ training. They’re rich in fiber, low in calories, and full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A & C and beta-carotene. The crunchiness of raw carrots gives your dog’s jaw a good workout. It also helps keep their teeth and gums in good condition. 

2. Apples 

An apple is another healthy and natural dog treat that you often have on hand. Like carrots, apples are a good source of vitamins A & C and antioxidants, which are helpful for your dog’s digestion. Since apples don’t require cooking, they make for an easy snack. Make sure to wash them thoroughly, though, as they can have a high concentration of pesticides. 

3. Blueberries

Blueberries may be tiny, but they’re full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process of your dog’s body. Many consider them a superfruit due to their significance in protecting your dog’s brain cells and supporting their urinary tract health. When frozen, their small size makes a great cooling treat, which is perfect for training outdoors. 

4. Anchovies and sardines

Anchovies and sardines are great for your pup’s heart and brain due to their richness in Omega-3 fatty acids. These treats are also high in calcium, zinc, and vitamins B12, D, E, and K, all of which contribute to your furry friend’s nourished skin, glossy-looking coats, and healthy joints.

5. Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are delicious snacks that are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B5, B6, & C, manganese, and potassium. They’re also high in fiber, which aids your dog’s digestion. Your dog can eat this treat raw, but it’s better to boil them first and chop them up into bite-size snacks.

Conclusion

Anyone with a dog understands how essential dog treats are for positive reinforcement. Most dog trainers use treats as a reward, which is necessary for teaching dogs new tricks and behaviors. Treats also serve as snacks that help clean your dog’s teeth or aid digestion. But in addition to all that, treats play a considerable role in forging a bond between you and your dog. 

Although treats are vital to a dog’s life, giving them too many unhealthy treats can be harmful. The five treats in this article are all excellent choices for our four-legged friends, but remember to balance them with your dog’s overall daily calories.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.