Just as much as we look after our dogs, dogs also do a lot to look after us, especially regarding emotional support. Several studies have shown that pet owners have lower resting heart rates and blood pressure levels than equivalent people without pets. It has also been observed that people who own pets tend to have less intense emotional and physical reactions to events that would otherwise be more aggravating to those without pets. As well as just calming down the nerves with their joyful presence, dogs in particular encourage more active lifestyles. The need to go outside more for morning walks for instance encourages a more healthy body and mind. If you live on your own and have suffered recent trauma, then a dog’s presence can be a significant part of the road towards a relaxed and peaceful mind and body. A study has even shown that ten minutes spent stroking a dog can reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. People also have been shown to feel far fewer feelings of loneliness when they have a dog.
What kind of attributes should the dog have?
With that said, even though pet ownership, in general, is considered positive for mental health, there are certain dogs which are known as being particularly helpful for those who are dealing with issues such as anxiety and PTSD. These are the dogs who often have official titles such as emotional support dogs, companion dogs and therapy dogs. Dogs which fit into these roles will generally have to have the right kind of temperament, energy level, grooming needs, and trainability and also not be too big. In terms of temperament, these dogs will need to have lower prey drives, and they will need to be the kind of dog that doesn’t bark very often. Energy levels similarly are better if they are not sky high. This means that the owner in question will be able to spend lots of time at home relaxing with their dog. The dog will just need a little walk each day and then they will be happy to be relaxed and chilled out at home without running around the flat with overflowing energy.
Size is important, as some of the largest dog breeds cannot always be let into certain places. So, if you want a dog that will be there with its owner at all times, then it might be better if the caring dog is a smaller pup. This way, they can be a companion at all times. In terms of grooming, you will also be better off with dogs who are relatively low-maintenance. Dogs that don’t need regular and costly trips to professional groomers very often will be a better fit. Finally, the matter of trainability is also important. A dog who is easily trainable and is able to learn quickly will reduce the chances of a young and unruly pup causing any stress.
Top 10 dog breeds for anxiety or PTSD care
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Bichon Frise
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Havanese
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Greyhound
Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are a very good choice for this purpose. These dogs are extremely loving and very gentle. It is down to their caring and gentle disposition that they are typically known to be great with children, the elderly, and those who have disabilities. They have been used for lots of different kinds of service work, such as guide dogs for the blind.
Golden Retrievers
Similar to Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers have also played a big part in service roles. They are highly intelligent and very easily trained. Their happy temperaments make for relaxing company. They are friendly, loyal and placid, whilst also being playful too.
Pomeranian
If you are looking for a small and soft little dog companion to help with anxiety or PTSD, then a Pomeranian is a great option. They are tremendously loyal, sticking by their owner’s side all day long. Most Pomeranians will happily go with you everywhere you go, and when they get tired they are also happy enough to carry on enjoying the outdoors in a carry bag. When it comes to training, they will also be much easier to train than many other smaller dog breeds.
Poodles
Poodles are very intelligent and obedient which makes them very easy to train. Stress is likely to be low when you are training your poodle, as poodles are very low in aggression and will happily take on instruction. Their combination of being loving and intellectually curious will make them an enjoyable and soothing presence. The one thing to consider with the poodle in terms of potential downsides is that they will need a lot of grooming. But the benefit of that is the amazingly soft and curly coat that you will get to enjoy!
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are bundles of smiles. They are among the most friendly dogs in the world. Their joy and enthusiasm for life is sure to spread to their human friends. They tend to greet you with bright eyes and an enthusiastically wagging tail. As is the case with Pomeranians, they will be happy to tag along with their owner at all times, and therefore they will give any owner a real sense of purpose and love. They are smart dogs and easy to train. The only stresses once again potentially come in the form of grooming, as these fluffy fellows do need quite a lot of care.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are one of the most loving, devoted and affectionate pets. For this reason, they are often used in therapy contexts. Pembroke Welsh corgis in particular are incredibly friendly with people. The only thing that you may consider in terms of limitations is that these breeds of dog are very energetic as little pups. This means that they are not the best choices for someone who is a homebody. On the other hand, they may be that helpful bundle of energy that encourages the owner to become more active themselves.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These animals were bred to be lap dogs, and it is for this reason that they are happy cosying down next to their owner all day. As mentioned above, there are some dogs which would be great for those who will benefit from getting outdoors more. But if you are more of a lover of the indoors, and if you want a calm, loving companion by your side, this breed will be a great choice. With that said, they also have a good amount of pluck and energy which should mean that will also lift the mood with their sunny disposition. They don’t need much grooming and they tend to be very good at being friendly with new people, so they are also ideal for new owners.
Havanese
These dogs are sometimes even known as velcro dogs because they always have the desire to stick by their owner’s side. This means that they are always there to provide overflowing buckets of love and affection. They are known to get on with everyone, so they will not cause you stress when you are out and about.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies were used during WWII in some cases to see injured naval officers and raise morale. This was in a sense one of the earliest cases of therapy dogs. These little cuties are doting and so will always be able to show their owners that they are loved. They need a bit of training and can be a bit feisty at times, but as small dogs, they only have moderate energy levels and therefore will easily get into a cosy and gentle mood once they have had some playtime or walkies.
Greyhound
The final dog breed on our list is the greyhound. You might be thinking that greyhounds are going to need to be zooming around outdoors constantly given their great speed and penchant for running. But in fact, most greyhounds which are taken on by owners after they have been racing dogs generally will want to get plenty of rest with their owner and lie down in a cosy setting. They also barely ever bark, so they will be a quiet, gentle addition to a home. This breed is additionally known for giving their owners hugs with their front legs!