Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress in Life

Posted on August 22, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

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.

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.

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.

Service Dogs for OCD: How Can They Help?

Posted on August 15, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

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.

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

What Healthy and Natural Treats Can Dogs Eat?

Posted on August 8, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

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.

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

Tips On Training Your Own Service Dog

Posted on August 1, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

It’s no secret that a dog is one of the most reliable partners you can have in life. They can assist you in many ways and can be trained to do many things that can transform the way you live your life.

Training your own service dog might seem like a daunting task. However, with so many people in need of service dogs, such as individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a medical condition (such as diabetes), there are a lot of reasons to consider taking on this task on your own. Here are some simple tips to help you train your own service dog if you need one.

First, determine if your dog can be a service dog.

Keep in mind that service dog training takes a lot of time and effort. But how do you know if your dog has what it takes to be a service dog? Service dogs can be trained in different categories, such as working, hearing, and seeing. A few important things to consider are the following:

Temperament: Is your dog submissive or aggressive? is he or she eager to please?
Breed: Certain dog breeds are more suitable for service dog work, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.
Overall health condition: Health conditions, such as diabetes and joint problems, can only put an unnecessary burden on your pet.

Start with the basics.

Basic skills to teach service dogs include making eye contact, sitting down, leaving something alone, moving their body in any direction, and staying quiet. In a previous article, we made a list of 7 commands to teach a service dog. Be sure to check it out!

Since you’re interested in having a service dog, you’ve probably already realized that this requires a lot of work and dedication. You’ll need to adapt your lifestyle according to your dog’s training. If you’re not ready to make these changes, it’s best to wait before getting a service dog or training one.

Train them to perform the service dog tasks you require.

Depending on your disability, you can train your dog to open drawers and cabinets, call 911, bring you to safety, detect abnormalities in your blood sugar levels, help you get dressed, and interrupt self-harming behaviors. These skills should only be taught after they’ve mastered the fundamentals.

Also, training sessions shouldn’t be long and must be stress-free for your dog. Otherwise, this negatively affects their ability to learn. Many trainers believe that the best way to teach anything to a dog is to start with fun and games. This is a great way to show your dog that the training experience is enjoyable and will help to build the bond between you and your dog.

Final Thoughts

We hope that this blog post has given you some inspiration for training your own service dog. Remember not to rush with training and consider getting help from a professional trainer. Don’t give up! As you continue to train, perseverance will only make your dog better.

If you’re interested in more service dog posts, check these out:

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

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

What is Goat Yoga? (And Its Benefits for Mental Health)

Posted on July 25, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

There’s a new fitness trend that is quickly gaining popularity across North America — it’s called Goat Yoga. It may sound like a joke or a hilarious pun, but it’s actually a legit exercise that started way back in 2016. Essentially, goat yoga is what it sounds like: a typical yoga class with goats roaming around and interacting among the participants.

You may already be familiar with the benefits of having animals around. Add to that the spiritual discipline of yoga, and you’ll have a great workout combination right there. Goat yoga is surprisingly relaxing and a lot of fun!

The goat’s presence is a form of animal-assisted therapy that can help improve your overall mental health, which complements well with the therapeutic effects of yoga. Here are a few examples of how your mental health can benefit from practicing goat yoga.

1. Helps with relaxation

Yoga alone already promotes relaxation but having baby goats jump onto your back while trying to maintain a plank position adds a new level of peace and tranquility. Sensing the goat’s little hooves on your back as they move to keep their balance can make you feel like having a massage — but more fun and hilarious. Goat yoga offers a weirdly calming and relaxing time that helps take your mind off your day-to-day stress, anxiety, or depression.

2. Helps fight depression

If you often feel depressed, practicing goat yoga is an excellent way to help you focus more on positive and happy vibes. There’s growing evidence that yoga can be effective in reducing depression, decreasing symptom severity, and increasing treatment remission rates.

Meanwhile, animals such as goats are great emotional supporters that can help enhance your mood and provides an escape or happy distraction. Interacting and playing with them as you move through poses has therapeutic benefits that can help you fight depression.

3. Helps develop focus and self-discipline

Practicing different yoga postures increases blood circulation to the brain, which can help improve alertness, awareness, and memory. With the goats walking around, you will not only focus on posture but also try to interact with them. Doing two things at once and not knowing what the goats will do will keep you focused and disciplined.

4. Helps with quality of sleep

Practicing goat yoga involves stretching and relaxing your muscles, which can cause significant physical and mental exertion resulting in more deep sleep and better sleep efficiency. Data suggests that more than 85% of yoga practitioners experienced reduced stress, and over 55% slept better.

5. Source of laughter

Goat yoga may sound strange, but it’s a brilliant concept of incorporating smiles, laughter, and fun times with goats while practicing simple yoga. Unlike traditional yoga, which prioritizes silence and meditation, goat yoga capitalizes on laughter and fun as a way to relieve stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

If you’re intrigued with the idea of practicing yoga while playing with goats, then you should at least give goat yoga a try. It’s a great way to improve your overall physical, emotional, and mental well-being while having a wonderful time doing it. Goat yoga sessions may cost slightly more than regular yoga classes. However, if the presence of happy, trained goats lets you enjoy yoga more, then it’s definitely worth it.

Read related articles here:

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

The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People Who Need Emotional Support

Posted on July 18, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Cats are adorable, snuggly creatures that can be endearing to most people. They are also playful, affectionate, and can comfortably bond with their caregivers, making them excellent emotional support animals (ESA). Cats and dogs are the most popular choices for a pet that will always be there for you as your companion.

However, pet allergies are common, and cat allergy is twice as common as dog allergies in the U.S. Many people think they can be allergic to the cat’s fur. But the truth is that the Fel d 1 protein found in the cat’s saliva is the one causing allergies.

That said, receiving emotional support from a cat that may give you allergies can be troublesome. Thankfully, there are hypoallergenic cat breeds that are also great ESAs. Here are six different cat breeds for those allergic to cats.

1. Siberian

Siberians, also known as the Siberian forest cat, originate from Siberia in Russia. If you live in a cold weather place, their luxurious, long, triple coat hairs make them perfect ESAs for you. This breed is fantastic for people with allergies because they have less Fel d 1 protein in their saliva.

These cats are intelligent, easy to train, and very social animals who adore their human companion. Since Siberians are happy to have an audience, you can count on them to get along well with children, other animals, and visitors.

2. Balinese

Like Siberians, the Balinese are well known to have lower levels of Fel d 1 protein than other cat breeds. Many cat lovers favor this breed because of its intelligence, friendliness, curiosity, and striking beauty. They also have a playful nature, tend to be adaptable, and are often vocal — but can be rather demanding.

Nevertheless, they are excellent around children and other pets, making them ideal pets for giving emotional support.

3. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rexes may be unusual looking with huge ears, but they are very clever, highly social cats with an acrobatic, clownish personality. Although they don’t produce less Fel d 1 compared to other cats, they have thin coats that often do well with people with cat hair allergies. Plus,

these unique coats make them feel warm to the touch and enjoy snuggling under blankets or with their favorite human companion.

4. Siamese

Siamese cats are not only similar to Balinese cats in terms of looks, but they also have less Fel d 1 in their system, so allergic cat lovers can have them as ESA. This cat breed is highly intelligent, talkative, and loves to socialize. They also have a fondness for playing fetch and prefer to have their human companion by their side.

5. Burmese

Burmese cats make excellent emotional support animals due to their intelligence, affection, and extreme loyalty. They are also very social and love being with people. If you own a Burmese, you’ll notice that they tend to follow you from room to room and sit on your lap often. Their charmingly scratchy meow can surely help cheer you up.

6. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are easily recognizable due to their stunning silver-tipped hair. Their emotional intelligence, sweet-tempered nature, loyalty, empathy, and adaptability are all astounding qualities that make them great ESAs. However, this cat breed is the least hypoallergenic on this list. So, for individuals who have severe allergies, Russian Blue cats may not be the best option for them.

Conclusion

If you have allergies and want a cat as your emotional support companion, look into cat breeds with low levels of Fel d 1, minimal shedding, and low grooming needs. Every cat is unique and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So choose what cat personalities endear you the most. As for hypoallergenic tendencies, it’s better to consult breeders, veterinarians, or other experts to help you decide which cat breed is best for you.

Read related articles here:

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

5 Ways Pets Can Reduce Stress

Posted on July 11, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Pets have always been a part of people’s lives. Each person may have a reason for owning a pet, but most owners want a comforting companion that can help relieve their stress. Some people even consider pets as family. They can also serve as an alternative for children, especially for those who don’t want or have one yet.

According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, around 70% of U.S. households have pets. And the majority of those pets are cats and dogs. But how can pets reduce stress? This article lists five unique ways pets can help improve their owners’ overall mental health and happiness.

1. Pets give you opportunities to exercise

Pets need to be taken care of every day, especially dogs. Dog owners need to feed their pets on a regular schedule and take them on walks, hikes, and runs. These responsibilities give pet owners opportunities to engage more in physical activities.

Previous research suggests that dog owners are more likely to be physically active and meet the recommended daily exercise requirements. Exercise helps bump up your endorphins, hormones that reduce stress and improve your mood.

2. Pets make us feel needed

Most pets are affectionate, friendly, and have relatable personalities that endear them to their owners. Caring for these lovable creatures can make owners feel more needed and wanted. When you have a pet to care for, it can give you a sense of purpose and meaning — even when your pet doesn’t interact with you a lot.

Interestingly, a 2016 study shows that even pet insects, such as crickets in a cage, can have a significant impact on elevating the mood and reducing the depression of the participants. The participants were a group of community-dwelling elderly individuals. And the result suggests that caring for a living creature benefits a person’s overall mental well-being.

3. Pets provide companionship

Pets can be incredibly loyal and reliable creatures, making them excellent companions. They can form a bond with you in ways that people can’t. Pets can offer company and unconditional love that can make you feel happy and less stressed.

They’re also excellent snugglers and great listeners. You can tell them your problems or feelings and they won’t judge you. It can be easy to lower your stress when you have a friend you can count on at all times — and pets can be that friend.

4. Pets help improve your relationships

When you have a good relationship with your animal friends, having better relations with humans won’t be so hard, especially in a pet-loving community. Joining animal clubs and attending pet shows allow you to have better social interactions.

Having something you like in common (pets) can make talking and interacting with fellow pet owners more comfortable and fun. Having more friends can help lessen your feeling of loneliness and depression.

5. Pets help you relax

Interacting with pets helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease depression, making you feel calmer and relaxed. Aside from their cute and loving appearance, the playful nature of pets, particularly cats and dogs, can help lift your spirits and boost your mood. Most pet owners consider their pets as part of the family. And like family, they have a way of making you feel at ease and happy simply by being there with you.

Conclusion

Coming home and seeing your pets excited to greet you brings great joy to every pet owner. A pet can be your family, best friend, companion, and so much more. Caring for pets can be challenging and physically demanding, but they can also give your life purpose and meaning. You can gain a lot of benefits from having pets. That’s why you should treat them well and love them as much as they love you.

Read related articles here:

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

How to Help Children Cope After a Traumatic Event

Posted on July 4, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Modern societies view childhood as the most vulnerable period of life, with children needing protection from different hardships. Yet, young people are experiencing traumatic life events more than we realize. Research shows that in the US, 26% of children will witness or encounter a traumatic event before they turn four.

Traumatic events refer to anything that threatens the safety or physical integrity of self or others. Examples are accidents, violent crimes, bullying, domestic violence, and other natural and human-made disasters.

In the wake of such events, children would need help with coping, especially from their parents. Here are five ways to help children recover after trauma so they can move on with their lives.

1. Get a psychiatric service dog

A psychiatric service dog can be a significant addition to the treatment plan of traumatized children because they are child-friendly, loyal, fun-loving, and affectionate. But more than that, they are specifically trained to help children recover from trauma through eliciting positive emotions and warmth, supporting social connections, and reminding them that danger is no longer present.

Some of the best psychiatric service dog breeds include Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

2. Rebuild trust and safety

Perhaps the most significant aspect of childhood that a traumatic event can take away is the sense of safety and security. Trauma can alter a child’s perspective, making the world suddenly seem unsafe and terrible. You need to help your child rebuild their trust in both the environment and other people.

Hugging and reassuring your child can help them feel safe again. Being trustworthy by keeping your promises can help rebuild your child’s trust. Lastly, avoiding physical punishment can help prevent triggering your child’s traumatic experience.

3. Be patient with your child

When your child displays erratic behaviors and outbursts, don’t take them personally. Find ways to respond to tantrums without making things worse. Your reactions may be a trigger to your child, who is already feeling vulnerable. Stay calm, lower your voice, and acknowledge your child’s feelings. Be patient and understand that your child’s behaviors might just be their way of dealing with the trauma.

4. Engage your child

Your child will recover from trauma at their own pace and time. But you can play a major role in the healing process by simply being emotionally and physically available and spending time together as a family. Do your best to provide your kids with ongoing opportunities to talk about what they’re feeling and to ask questions.

However, don’t pressure your child into talking. Instead, just show them your willingness to listen and always be honest. The more your child opens up to you, the more they can ease their burden and forget the unpleasant memories and experiences.

5. Let the child play

Playing enables physical activity, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and allow your kids to sleep better at night. Let your child be a child again and encourage them to play. Help them overcome their traumatic experience by replacing them with new and happy childhood memories.

Conclusion

As a parent or caregiver of a traumatized child, provide them with the tools they need to survive, help them manage their fears, and guide them as they grow. You should also understand that your child’s past experiences affect how they see and respond to their world.

But children can be remarkably resilient, especially when they have people who protect and support them. With the five tips in this article, you can take the first step in building a safer, healthier world for your child.

What Disabilities Qualify for a Service Dog?

Posted on June 27, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Service dogs play a vital role in the community, especially in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. And while modern technology has come a long way in terms of treatment, sometimes people with disabilities can benefit more from a service dog’s love and loyalty — something that no modern technology can provide.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. The ADA also identified several lists of disabilities that would qualify for a service dog. Here are a few examples.

1. Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function or the inability to make voluntary muscle movements. It’s usually a problem with the nervous system and its causes vary between individuals. For some people, an inborn defect (spina bifida) causes their paralysis. Others become paralyzed due to traumatic injuries (spinal cord injuries) or medical conditions that damage muscle and nerve function (stroke).

2. Blindness

Blindness could mean partial or complete loss of sight. A partially blind individual has limited vision, meaning that even with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, they still can’t see properly. On the other hand, a completely blind individual is someone unable to see at all. Some of the common causes include:

Ocular complications of diabetes
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Traumatic injuries

3. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic or long-term medical condition that affects your lungs and causes problems with your breathing. It’s one of the most common chronic diseases in children, typically triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollens, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores.

Asthmatic individuals may not have sensory or mobility limitations, but asthma attacks can lead to serious medical emergencies that may require immediate attention.

4. Epilepsy

Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, is another medical condition identified as a disability by the ADA. It’s a brain disorder that causes recurring and unprovoked seizures, which happen as a result of sudden abnormal electrical brain activity. While epilepsy typically has no identifiable cause, some cases may be traced to various factors, including genetic influence, tumors, or head injury.

5. Depression

Depression is a type of mental disability that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It’s a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, altering an individual’s quality of life. There are various reasons why a person goes into depression, and it depends entirely on their ability to handle life’s many adversities.

Related article: Service Dogs for Anxiety: What You Need to Know

6. Autism

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complicated developmental condition involving problems with social communication, repetitive behaviors, and understanding people’s emotions. Dealing with autistic people can be very challenging. And while it’s still possible for a person with autism to live independently as an adult, not many can achieve the same level of independence.

Conclusion

What these disabilities have in common is that they all can make it difficult for you to do certain activities and maintain a quality of life. These are only a few of the many disabilities identified by the ADA.

Furthermore, the ADA states that you may likely qualify for a service dog if you have any physical, emotional, or mental disabilities. But more than that, you should be able to provide documentation from a medical professional indicating that your disability can, in some way, be improved or supported by a service dog.

Learn more about service dogs here!

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

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

Examples of Emotional Support Animals That Aren’t Dogs

Posted on June 21, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

For some individuals suffering from mental health issues, the presence of an emotional support animal (ESA) is critical to their ability to function normally on a daily basis. These animals provide emotional support and coping mechanisms that help people deal with challenges that might affect their quality of life.

Mental health professionals often prescribe dogs as emotional support animals, but they’re not the only animal species that can provide emotional support or therapy to humans. Many people have managed to boost their self-esteem and reduce their anxiety interacting with therapy animals of various species. Aside from dogs, here are some of the best emotional support animals you can have if you’re considering one.

1. Cats

Cats are not as active and may seem lazy animals compared to dogs, yet their calm and affectionate nature makes them great emotional support companions. They can quickly form a loving bond with their owners and their soothing presence offers a variety of benefits for their owner’s mental health, including reducing stress and blood pressure, according to research.

Some of the best cat breeds that are perfect for emotional support include the American Bobtail, Bengal, Russian Blue, Siamese, and Sphynx.

2. Rabbits

Domestic rabbits make excellent ESAs because they’re cute, cuddly, playful, and quick to bond with people. They have some of the softest furs and twitchy noses that many find adorable. Rabbits are also very loving and caring creatures and have a great awareness that makes them responsive to their owner’s emotions.

3. Guinea Pigs

These cuddly rodents have many excellent qualities, including their small size, gentle behavior, and highly interactive nature, making them good ESAs for anxiety and depression. When guinea pigs are overly excited, they will do a jumping and twisting maneuver called “popcorning,” which can be amusing to watch. If you decide to have guinea pigs for emotional support, make sure you have at least two of them at once to keep each other company.

4. Parrots

Parrots are winged creatures with bright and extravagant colors that offer great benefits to people with all kinds of mental health issues. Their tendency for empathy and their ability to mimic human speech makes them fun pets to interact with. They’re also capable of sensing tension and anger in humans, which is helpful for people with anxiety and learning disabilities.

5. Miniature Horses

Unlike other domestic animals, miniature horses are not pets you keep at home. They’re often raised at therapy farms where individuals with learning disabilities, critical illness, or trauma can visit them for emotional support and comfort. Their calm demeanor and love for people mean that you can hug and pet them comfortably, making them a viable treatment option for anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

There are several other animals you don’t usually keep as pets that can provide emotional support, such as snakes, pigs, chickens, llamas, and alpacas. While these animals are not as friendly and lovable compared to dogs, they’re still capable of making you feel better, as long as they’re properly trained.

The good thing about having a variety of animals capable of being ESAs is that it gives you more options in choosing the animal that suits your needs and personality.

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

Have an emotional support animal.

Make time for your hobbies.

Bond with your pet.

Follow a healthy diet.

Create boundaries.

Final Thoughts

Share to Show Your Support!

What is OCD?

OCD Signs and Symptoms

How Can Service Dogs Help

Share to Show Your Support!

1. Carrots

2. Apples

3. Blueberries

4. Anchovies and sardines

5. Sweet potatoes

Conclusion

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First, determine if your dog can be a service dog.

Start with the basics.

Train them to perform the service dog tasks you require.

Final Thoughts

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1. Helps with relaxation

2. Helps fight depression

3. Helps develop focus and self-discipline

4. Helps with quality of sleep

5. Source of laughter

Conclusion

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1. Siberian

2. Balinese

3. Cornish Rex

4. Siamese

5. Burmese

6. Russian Blue

Conclusion

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1. Pets give you opportunities to exercise

2. Pets make us feel needed

3. Pets provide companionship

4. Pets help improve your relationships

5. Pets help you relax

Conclusion

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1. Get a psychiatric service dog

2. Rebuild trust and safety

3. Be patient with your child

4. Engage your child

5. Let the child play

Conclusion

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1. Paralysis

2. Blindness

3. Asthma

4. Epilepsy

5. Depression

6. Autism

Conclusion

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1. Cats

2. Rabbits

3. Guinea Pigs

4. Parrots

5. Miniature Horses

Conclusion

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