3 Ways Dogs Are Good Support Animals
Dogs have been cherished companions to humans for ages, and it is no wonder that they are trained to serve as support animals. In this discussion, we will explore the 3 ways dogs provide support to their owners and how they have proven beneficial.
Dogs make great emotional support animals. They have a remarkable ability to provide comfort and calm to those with emotional issues. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these support dogs offer their owners a calming presence and unconditional love. In addition, studies have shown that when people pet and interact with dogs, their levels of oxytocin – the hormone associated with bonding and trust – tend to increase, reducing stress levels. Dogs are so good at providing emotional support that they are commonly used as therapy animals in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
2. Dogs can provide physical support for people with disabilities. For instance, dogs can be trained to serve as mobility aids for people with impaired mobility, allowing them to be more independent and self-sufficient. They can also be trained to alert their owner if they sense a medical emergency, such as a seizure or a drop in blood sugar levels. For people with visual impairments, guide dogs can assist with mobility and safety, as well as helping them navigate daily life.
3. Dogs can act as service animals for people with mental health conditions. For example, psychiatric service dogs can alert their owners when they sense a panic attack, remind them to take medications, or perform any other therapeutic function. In addition, these dogs are trained to respond to a specific set of commands, which can be a lifesaver for someone struggling with a mental health condition.
It’s worth mentioning that dogs are not the only animals that can serve as support animals. Other animals, such as cats and miniature horses, can also provide support to their owners. However, dogs are the most common type of support animal, and it’s easy to see why – they are highly trainable, great companions, and reasonably easy to take care of.
In addition, dogs are particularly beneficial in the lives of children with autism. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with social interaction and communication, but studies have shown that dogs can help improve their social skills. A trained autism service dog can provide safety, companionship, and sensory support for children with ASD, helping them to engage more fully in their surroundings and feel more connected to those around them.
It’s not just children with ASD who benefit from support dogs. People with a wide variety of mental and physical disabilities can benefit greatly from having a support animal. Such companionship and emotional support can reduce anxiety and depression, help people overcome phobias, improve their overall mood, and even lower their blood pressure.
Of course, not every dog is suited for the task of being a support animal. Animal organizations that train and provide support dogs, such as Canine Companions for Independence and Guiding Eyes for the Blind, have rigorous selection processes to determine which dogs are the best fit for the job.
In terms of costs, it can vary depending on the type of support animal and its associated expenses. Owners of support dogs, however, can benefit from certain legal protections. For example, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must allow service dogs into their establishments, and landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with support animals. In addition, it is important to note that many organizations can help people find and afford support animals.
Dogs have shown time and time again why they make great support animals. Their intelligence, trainability, and compassion have made them invaluable companions for people with disabilities, mental health issues, and those who need a friendly furry presence to support them. Dogs are truly amazing creatures, and no wonder they are known as “man’s best friend.”