Are you tired of eating in your house but afraid to leave your dog alone? Don’t worry because you can bring your buddy with you.

Dining out with your dog is actually a great way to spend time with your dog, especially if you’re always busy at work. Bringing your pet with you is a pleasant experience because they’re always cheerful throughout the meal. You may be afraid that your dog might cause trouble in the restaurant, but trained dogs are very calm and socialize well with other people. This is almost always the case for trained service animals, emotional support animals, or therapy dogs.

Here are tips to make your dining experience more enjoyable with your dog.

1. Call ahead.

Nowadays, many establishments allow dogs to enter inside the premises, but it’s best to make sure before you leave your house. Visit the restaurant’s website and know the restaurant’s pet policy. You may also call them ahead for clarifications and reservations.

2. Prepare before going to the restaurant.

To make sure that your dog is comfortable, you need to prepare some things like a portable water bowl, chew toys, and some treats. The treats and toys can help lessen your pet’s boredom, especially when your meal lasts for several hours.

The smell in the restaurant can be tempting for your dog but don’t feed your dog from your plate. It’s not healthy for them, it can reinforce begging at the table, and it may not be pleasant for other people. Instead, feed your dog beforehand so it’s not hungry.

Have your pet relieve itself before going out, as it would be rude to pee on the establishment’s floor. You can also put on a diaper to ensure it will not do any funny business during your stay outside.

3. Keep your dog leashed.

Always keep your dog by your side by putting it on a leash. This ensures your dog’s safety and the people around you. Secure the leash in your hand or wrist, and don’t tie the leash to any furniture like tables or chairs, as they can be damaged once the dog suddenly bolts away.

4. Keep your dog away from too many people.

Select a corner or a patio where there are fewer people to reduce the risk of your dog’s leash being entangled with any person’s legs. Also, pick a time when the restaurant is less busy. Your dog will be less anxious if the restaurant is not overcrowded.

5. Make sure your dog understands basic commands.

Your dog should understand basic commands including “sit”, “lie down”, and “wait”. This is to give respect and courtesy to other patrons. People who are not used to being around dogs may find naughty and noisy dogs distracting.

Conclusion

Have fun, but remember to consider your dog’s safety and happiness first. Also, please note that dogs are not as independent as you are. So, always check up on them and more importantly — never force them to do anything that they don’t enjoy.

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. 

Different circumstances in our lives can significantly affect our emotions, whether it’s a breakup, work pressure, societal expectations, or losing a loved one. Without proper emotional management, all these negative things can pile up in our hearts resulting in a burden too heavy to bear. 

So how can we manage our emotions?

One thing that we can do is practice emotional self-care. Self-care doesn’t mean you only pamper yourself with a massage or treating yourself to a spa day. Emotional self-care also self-care means connecting to your inner self and nurturing your feelings and emotions.

Here are ways to practice emotional self-care.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

Some people tend to ignore their emotions and pretend everything’s alright, but this can eventually result in an emotional breakdown. Don’t ignore what you feel. If you’re sad, cry it all out. Once we become honest with ourselves, we can start understanding our circumstances and begin sorting out our feelings. 

Get a journal. Identify and write what triggers your emotions. As you write those triggers, determine different ways you can manage them.

2. Have a loving support system.

Some adversaries can be very isolating. You might feel embarrassed or scared that people may judge you. But sometimes, a shoulder to cry on is what we need.

Reliable and supportive relationships help us be more emotionally healthy. It’s vital that we stay connected with our loved ones, especially during these isolating times.

3. Learn to maintain healthy boundaries.

“No” is a powerful word.

One way to practice self-care is by maintaining boundaries with work, study, or other people. Don’t let the environment consume your sense of self. You can protect your emotional health by having a personal space where you feel comfortable.

4. Consider getting an emotional support animal.

If it’s hard for you to open up to people, you can start opening up with a furry friend. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a different type of loving support system. An ESA is more than a pet. They can be our companions that help us relax and control our emotions. They can also help decrease anxiety and loneliness for people with mental illness.

5. Be more present.

Try to practice mindfulness or the act of being present. For example, try to close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. Just be aware of your environment and how it affects your feelings.

This generation can be easily distracted because of our devices and the internet. So try to lessen your use of social media. Instead, focus more on the people around you. Connecting with nature helps you meditate and leads to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.

6. Get support from a therapist or mental health professional.

If your emotions get too overwhelming, consider getting help from a mental health professional. Having regular meetings with a therapist can also help. There is no shame in reaching out to these people. In fact, they can help you identify and manage your feelings.

Conclusion

You don’t have to walk on the journey of life alone. Yes, sometimes our circumstances make us feel very isolated. But remember that there are some people or animals who can be great companions that can help with emotional self-care. 

Read more articles here!

• Bearded Dragons as Emotional Support Pets: What You Should Know
• The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People Who Need Emotional Support
• Examples of Emotional Support Animals That Aren’t Dogs

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. 

They hop, they jump, and their cuteness never stops. Rabbits may be known for their pointy ears and adorable faces, but they’re also among the list of people’s favorite pets!

But rabbits are more than just cute, hopping animals. They’re also great companions. Suppose you’re considering adopting a rabbit, or you already have one that provides emotional support. In that case, you need to take note of some facts about your furry friend to ensure its safety and happiness. Here are 7 interesting facts about rabbits.

1. Too many carrots can hurt your bunny.

When you think about rabbits, what may come to mind is the cartoon character “Bugs Bunny,” who holds a carrot and constantly eats them. But in reality, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes aren’t a natural part of a rabbit’s diet. 

In addition, carrots have high sugar content, so they should only be given occasionally as a treat. A rabbit’s main diet should be hay with some fresh vegetables and good-quality pellet food. 

2. Rabbits do ‘binky’ when they’re super happy.

A rabbit binks when it hops in the air while twisting its body midair with an additional kick of the feet. Rabbits often do that when they’re happy in a place, and it’s really adorable to watch.

3. Rabbits purr when they feel relaxed.

Yes, they purr when relaxed and comfortable, but it’s not the same as a cat’s purr. Rabbits purr by gently grinding their teeth together. It’s quite noticeable when you’re rabbit is on your lap or gently stroking its head. 

4. Their teeth never stop growing.

A rabbit’s teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, so they should always be given veggies and hay to help maintain the teeth in a normal size. When rabbits don’t eat enough hay, their teeth may overgrow, which can be painful to their gums and make it difficult for them to eat.

5. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves.

Rabbits are very hygienic. They keep themselves clean by licking their paws and fur so they don’t need to be bathed like some other pets. In fact, bathing rabbits are discouraged because it can trigger stress or cause them to panic. 

6. Rabbits are social animals.

Most rabbits may be silent, but they’re really social creatures. They may not be as expressive as dogs or cats, but rabbits love their owners’ company. That is why they make remarkable emotional support animals.

They’re often misunderstood because they’re quiet, but they can show their emotions, and you can train them too! It’s also best to give your rabbit company from the same species to avoid loneliness and depression. The best combination is a neutered male and a neutered female.

7. Rabbits can eat their own poop.

It may seem weird or disgusting, but it’s normal when rabbits eat their poop. In fact, it’s an essential part of their digestion. 

Rabbits have a fast-moving digestive system, so they can’t absorb all nutrients from the food. As a result, they produce a soft type of poop called cecotropes, which are meant to be eaten to absorb nutrients that they’ve missed from the initial digestion.

Conclusion

Rabbits are more than just Easter holiday gifts for children. Like other animals, they need your care and love. So when considering getting a rabbit, prepare essential things like food and shelter and make sure you have time for them.

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 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.