What Are The Best Dog Breeds For People With Anxiety?
The friendship and loyalty that our pet gives us enrich our lives and benefits our physical and mental health. But are there dog breeds for people who suffer from anxiety?
Anxiety is defined as a mental state characterized by experiencing immense restlessness and extreme insecurity. The prevalence of this disorder is between four and seven percent worldwide.
Anxiety disorders are recognized to lead to decreased productivity and increased morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, it affects the growth of alcohol and drug abuse in a large segment of the population.
Tasks that dog breeds can perform for people who suffer from anxiety
People with anxiety can train companion dogs to perform a variety of special tasks that help them. These include:
- Spot signs of an anxiety attack before it happens.
- Look for medicine or water during an anxiety attack.
- Bring someone in to help the person in distress.
- Prevent strangers from approaching the person in distress.
- Calming the person during a distraction anxiety attack, such as resting their head against their chest or licking their face.
- Provide deep pressure therapy to calm its owner.
- Remind you to take your medicine at certain times of the day.
- Perform room security checks or turn on lights for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Benefits provided by the simple fact of dog ownership
People with anxiety disorders can gain many benefits from pet ownership, without having to undergo special training:
Exercise
Owning a dog is a great way to encourage people with anxiety to exercise. Physical activity can improve symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Time outdoors
Walking a dog means spending time outside, which can sometimes be difficult for people experiencing anxiety or depression. Spending time outdoors can improve people’s mental health and increase their intake of vitamin D, which can improve a person’s mood.
Company, the greatest benefit that dog breeds provide for people who suffer from anxiety
Dogs provide love and friendship. Having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Stress relief
Spending time with pets can reduce stress and anxiety and increase happiness. According to a 2015 study, owning a pet dog can reduce the risk of anxiety in children.
Anxiolytic effects exerted by interaction with animals
- Reduces depression and improves mood.
- Reduces levels of cortisol, which is one of the body’s main stress hormones.
- Encourage more positive interactions with other people.
- Reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
In the United States, qualifying your pet as an Emotional Support Animal (AAE) entitles it to live in your home, even if there is a no-pet policy. He can also take flights with your company.
Where and how to get an emotional support dog – any dog can be!
All dogs can make humans feel better and happier! An emotional support dog does not necessarily have to be trained in any particular skill.
Assistance dogs help alleviate the devastating symptoms of mental and emotional disabilities. Therefore, any dog you love can be your emotional support dog. Big or small, fluffy or short haired, German Shepherd or Shi-tzu… it’s up to you!
What are the calmest dog breeds for people suffering from anxiety?
There are many breeds suitable for people with anxiety disorders. The breeds that we present here as support dogs can be ideal in terms of temperament.
Remember that while some might be the best quiet dog breeds for anxiety, dogs, like people, have their individual personalities too:
- Basset hound – They have an innate ability to get along with all walks of life. These dogs are calm and friendly, they live happily with other pets and children.
- Newfoundland : He is a patient teddy bear and loves to please. These gentle giants are very laid back.
- Poodle – This breed is likely to bring affection and fun into your life. An added bonus is that this is often thought to be a hypoallergenic dog.
- Corgis : they are affectionate and intelligent.
- Great Pyrenees : They are loyal and constant domestic companions, who are sure to make you feel safe.
- English bulldog : along with the French bulldog and the American bulldog. They won’t love anything better than a nap with you on the couch.
- Greyhound – Greyhounds are sweet and sensitive, and they love quiet.
There is no requirement for dog breeds for people suffering from anxiety. It doesn’t matter if your dog is a stray, mixed breed, designer dog, or pedigree with papers.
If it is an animal that you share a bond with, the value it will add to your life is almost immeasurable. Dogs waiting in a shelter to be adopted have as much to offer as any other dog, if not more!
Keep in mind that dogs can end up in rescue shelters for many reasons that have nothing to do with the dog itself. Adopting a dog from a shelter is a win-win situation for both of you: you need him and he needs you.
