Top 6 ESA dog breeds for anxious people 

Did you know there are other ways to treat mental illness other than conventional treatment? Yes, you have heard it right. Emotional Support Animal, also known as ESA, can improve mental health illnesses such as anxiety and depression significantly.

It has been proven through various studies that spending time with your emotional support animal letter can help lessen anxiety, stress, depression and even loneliness. In my opinion, dogs are the best that can offer emotional support when people need support the most.

What are ESAs?

An ESA can provide emotional support when you are having an anxiety attack or are depressed. ESAs help bring you back to reality when you think it isn’t possible. They help you ease anxiety when you are in a crowded space or alone at home.

You might have seen people with pets in shopping malls, restaurants and airplanes. You might not see them on planes anymore because of several complaints, due to which, ESAs are not allowed anymore.
The procedure to get an ESA pet is very simple. You have to consider a few things but even before doing that, you have to sign an realesaletter from a local mental healthcare professional and only then you are allowed to have an ESA pet at home.

Once your request for an ESA has been approved, you are allowed to take it to your home. Dogs are the best companions and they are very friendly, and a great fit for an ESA. An ESA dog is the best fit because dogs are naturally very loving and friendly. One thing that you should know is that service dogs are different ESAs, so don’t get confused here.

A few things that you must remember are that keeping an ESA dog at home comes with great responsibility, so you have to be mentally prepared for everything that concerns them.

From training to display socially appropriate behaviour, walking, to feeding them on time. They have to be under your supervision 24/7 thus, their mental and physical wellbeing is your responsibility.

However, ESAs are beneficial in lowering anxiety levels and depression in patients who suffer from these mental illnesses and disorders.

It is very crucial to select a breed that you think is a great fit for you. People usually have dogs that are smaller sizes because of their ideal body size. The notable point about them is that because of their size, they are easier to manage,
and their fluffy bodies provide the love and care a person is looking for.

I have listed six breeds that are ideal for an ESA pet.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are very gentle and they are very simple and are easy to tame. Also, they enjoy getting treats for simple tasks. A Labrador is an ideal pet because they are well-behaved and can adjust to the family if you are living with one.
They are children’s best friends!!

Pug

Pugs are one of the most adorable breeds of dogs. They are cute, gentle and very friendly. A person’s face would light up instantly in the presence of this breed. They can sense the emotions of their owners very well and work to lift their moods. That is why they are the best kind for emotional support. One downside of keeping a pug is that they are not allowed on planes so, if you are a frequent traveller, this breed may not be the best option for you.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a very humble and affectionate dog. A very popular breed amongst senior citizens. They are strong despite their bodies being compact. If you are a resident of a nursing home, you can show them an ESA letter for housing to be able to have your pet with you even in a care home. The one positive thing about them is they don’t shed. What else could one want? A dog that sheds less hair?

Sounds like a great idea.

What else could be the potential benefit of no shedding? You can comb them easily and can prevent them from having an infection. However, you have to be very cautious about the prevention of infection. Due to the lack of shedding, bacteria can easily find a home in their fur.

Poodle

This is also a breed that is very popular in the elderly community because of their small bodies. For the elderly, it is the most preferable option for ESAs.
I can see why. They are very adorable and who wouldn’t want an adorable little dog? Again, they shed less, are very affectionate and intelligent dogs. For these reasons, I think they are the best for emotional support for those who are suffering from any kind of mental illness.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is easy-going, low-maintenance and reserved. They are not that energetic outdoors so I guess they are a great fit for people who suffer from depression because of their easy-going personality and low maintenance.
You should read up more about these dogs if you want one.

The Boston Terrier

Another popular breed of dogs for the elderly who might need an ESA. They are generally content, and well-behaved dogs. Another plus point? You can easily train them. However, they are sometimes hard to control and might require strict discipline to constrain them. 

But again, that’s not a frequent occurrence, thus, senior citizens can get great benefits by keeping them as ESAs.
These are 6 breeds that, in my opinion, are great for an real esa letter. You have to read up in detail to select the best fit. You can choose any one of them if you just want it. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

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