How an Emotional Support Dog Contributes to Your Health?

Dogs are humans’ best friends. Studies have shown that these furry animals can play a key role in promoting overall wellness. The American Psychological Association says that individuals who own dogs had greater self-esteem than non-owners. In fact, the FHA allows you to get a reasonable accommodation to live with your emotional support dog.

Here are some major health benefits of owning an emotional support dog-

Reduced Stress

Dog owners live happier then individuals who don’t own dogs. Petting an emotional support dog releases oxytocin and reduces levels of cortisol—the stress hormone. In recent years, nursing homes and school campuses have allowed dogs to help people relieve stress and pressure.

The companionship of a dog promotes comfort, confidence and reduces anxiety. Studies have found that pets teach us to live in the moment and appreciate the joy of the present, which has a positive impact on our health.

Boosted Physical Activity

Having an emotional support dog comes with the responsibility of exercising it regularly. Taking your pet for walks, hikes, etc. is a great way to increase your daily physical activity levels. There’s no doubt regular exercise improves health. Additionally, it helps strengthen your connection with your pet.

People (even in their 70s and 80s) love going outside with their pets. According to a study published in Gerontologist, seniors who walked dogs had lower BMI and fewer doctor visits. Thus, having a canine friend means you are more likely to meet your daily exercising needs.

Improved Heart Health

Living with an emotional support dog contributes to better cardiovascular health and reduces risks of a heart attack. Studies show that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels, reduced cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

What’s more? Research says that heart attack patients who lived with dogs were able to survive longer than those without animals.

Improved Social Life

An emotional support dog can provide you with more than just companionship. It can help you fight loneliness and increase opportunities for meeting new people. This improves your social skills, allowing you to strengthen your support network.

Moreover, people love talking about dogs. When you walk with your canine companion in the street, chances are more that you will be stopped by others to start a conversation. Also, individuals open up more and tell stories when it comes to animals.

Covering it up, dogs are real friends, they provide love and comfort to their owners. Studies have found that the companionship of an emotional support dog can help you relieve stress, anxiety, and various other mental health issues. Petting a dog lowers blood pressure levels and improves cardiovascular health.

Pets improve your daily physical activity through walks, hikes, fun games, etc. Moreover, taking out your dog increases your opportunities to meet new people and make friends. This automatically strengthens your support network to help you deal with boredom, loneliness, and other health problems.

If you want to live with your dog in an apartment without paying extra deposits, you need to apply for an ESA letter. We at My ESA Doctor can help you register an emotional support dog without leaving your sweet home. Here’s the complete process-

• Sign up for an account online
• See a therapist via video call
• If approved, you will receive your ESA letter in PDF format