Puppies as service dogs

Just about everyone has heard of the term service dog. By definition, a service dog is a dog that has been professionally trained to perform tasks and provide services to help and assist people. These services can range from helping the blind, helping people with epilepsy/seizures, and dogs to help with depression. While it is mostly common knowledge that dogs can help people who suffer from depression, we are commonly asked if puppies can help people who struggle with these issues. That will be the topic of today’s discussions, as we explain how puppies can help people with depression and anxiety. 

Do puppies help with depression and anxiety

Yes, puppies can be very much help with depression and anxiety. The main reason puppies help people suffering from depression and anxiety is by promoting fitness, encouraging social interactions, and promoting responsibility and self worth.

Promoting fitness

One of the best ways puppies help with depression and anxiety is by encouraging you to exercise. Puppies are small balls of energy, and can bounce off the walls non stop. Having this non stop energy around you will most likely encourage you to also be active. This could come in the form of going on walks, or playing fetch in the yard. Exercise has been consistently proven to help with depression and anxiety. This is because when you exercise, your body releases hormones such as endorphins and dopamine. Since exercise is also important and healthy for a puppy, this is a win win situation. 

Encouraging social interactions

One of the main causes of depression and anxiety is loneliness. The worst part about these conditions is that they cause you to be even more lonely and withdrawn, making the condition even worse. This is where puppies come in. Puppies are excellent ways of starting conversations and meeting new people. Whether it is on a walk in the neighborhood or at the local dog park, your puppy will certainly help you talk to strangers and meet new friends. Forming new relationships can be the cure to a lot of people’s depression and feeling lonely. These interactions can also help people who are suffering from social anxiety. 

Promoting responsibility and self worth

It is no secret that caring for a puppy can be a lot of work. Tending to all of the tasks required of caring for a puppy certain takes a high level of responsibility. While it might seem overbearing at times, this feeling of responsibility can actually be very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety and depression. People who have these diseases usually have self esteem issues and have little self worth. By taking ownership and responsibility of taking care of a puppy, a person with depression can actually gain self esteem because they realize that someone truly loves and relies on them. When the puppy shows a person gratitude, whether it be for food or for playing with them, a person will feel accomplished and special. Lastly, the physical aspect of snuggling with a puppy can also release dopamine that can make the owner feel more happy.