Dogs are incredibly intelligent beings. They can sense our emotions and help us cope through very difficult situations. So much so, that many dogs are now recognised as emotional support animals. In the last few years, the number of emotional support animals has skyrocketed.
For those who have never heard of this term before, an emotional support dog is an animal that can provide its owner with comfort and assistance. In similar fashion to service animals, therapy dogs can provide restorative benefits to individuals with emotional issues, anxiety, or even psychiatric problems. In this blog, we’ll be exploring five of the best breeds for emotional support dogs. Keep reading to find out what they are…
Great Dane
Also known as the gentle giants, Great Danes can make optimal emotional support animals. However, due to their increased size, these dogs can often suffer from a wide range of medical issues, such as joint or bone diseases. The best thing you can do to ensure their safety is invest in medical insurance for pets.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Although the Pembroke Welsh corgi is small in size, the breed certainly has a larger-than-life personality. They also have fantastic hearing, and, after training, they can learn to distinguish which noises cause you anxiety to ensure you stay clear of them. They are extremely loyal and have a high level of intelligence.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is much braver than you would initially think. They may not be able to protect you in a stand-off, however, they sure will try. This high level of bravery also means that they won’t get overwhelmed if your depression kicks in. On the contrary, they will stick by your side. Furthermore, they’re so small, you can even fit one in your purse, so it’s the perfect companion for those who like to travel.
Labrador Retriever
Arguably speaking, Labrador retrievers are the most empathetic types of dogs out there, making them excellent emotional support animals. Labradors are very docile, loving, and intelligent. However, it should be prefaced that they have a lot of energy, meaning you’ll need to get them outside to meet their exercise needs. We recommend taking your lab to the park for an hour each day.
German Shepherd
The German shepherds is perhaps the most capable and intelligent dog breed out there. After all, they work with police and firemen to keep the citizens of our country safe. Despite their somewhat tainted reputation, they are easy to train. Not only do they work fantastic with children, but they can also help older people by providing physical support as well as emotional support.
If you feel like you could benefit from an emotional support animal, it’s worth reaching out to a qualified veterinarian or speaking to a licensed therapist for more advice. A few common mental disabilities that can be lightened through the help of an emotional support animal include learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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