Depression is a mental health disorder that affects how individuals think, feel and respond to situations. It is treatable once it has been diagnosed, and there are many different ways to treat it, including using medication and therapy. There are many other natural ways to treat it, too, and one of these is to use emotional support animals (ESAs).
Any animal can become an ESA, but dogs are well-known for being ‘man’s best friend.’ This makes them uniquely suited to help individuals suffering from depression. Here are five dog breeds that offer great emotional support.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The best breed of dog to act as an ESA if you suffer from depression will ultimately depend on your preferences and personality, but certain breeds are more suitable than others. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are very affectionate towards their owners and become very attached to them. They learn quickly, enjoy cuddles and are adorably cute. Their patience with other dogs and the fact that they are small enough to manage easily also make them good ESAs. They do require a fair amount of grooming, so make sure you’re prepared for that if you choose this breed.
Emotional support animals can live with someone, even if the landlord doesn’t allow pets. All they need is a legitimate letter from a licensed healthcare practitioner or mental health provider confirming the diagnosis of depression.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a friendly, playful breed. They are lively and yet obedient, responding well to instructions. Their unconditional love and devotion to their owners make them a great breed for helping with depression. They love playing games and outdoor activities, so they provide incentive for their owners to get outside into the fresh air and sunshine. They can swim, run and fetch all day which makes them great companions for people who need an incentive to even get up in the morning. They do shed and are prone to hip problems, so owners must be prepared for this.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are a very popular dog breed as they are energetic, intelligent, friendly, and gentle. They have a great capacity for devotion to their owners and are very loyal and protective. Their eagerness to please and obedience make them very suitable ESAs.
This is a bigger breed of dog with a really sweet disposition. Owners will need to go outdoors to exercise them regularly, which can compel them to do more outdoor exercise, a well-known way to reduce depression. These dogs love children and are very outgoing and high-spirited. They can act as a buffer in social situations that may feel uncomfortable and encourage daily interaction with others.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are tiny and really cute. They are also very intelligent and have the capacity to form strong bonds with their owners. This breed of dog is one of the most loyal, loving and trainable breeds. They are also feisty and energetic, and as they are so small, they are easy to manage.
For those who live in apartments and don’t have outdoor space, they are a good option due to their small size. They are hypoallergenic, so they’re suitable for people with allergies. Owners need to be aware that they can snap at kids and that they have delicate bones and are susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Poodle
Poodles are cute and love being around their owners. They are intelligent, outgoing and need plenty of space. It is easier to train them than many other breeds due to their smartness. They like plenty of physical activity and enjoy mentally challenging games, which is great for the health of someone with depression.
Poodles can be high maintenance because their fur literally never stops growing, and they need constant grooming. Their cuteness and people-pleasing personality traits often make up for this. They typically live longer than some other dog breeds and can make great ESAs.
