Best Dogs for Anxiety and Depression for Veterans: Emotional Support Animals

With anxiety and depression rising at record levels nationwide, many are turning to alternative forms of relief. Some seek alternatives to prescription drugs, while others look for additional aids to use in conjunction with them. 

Animals have long proven an excellent, if somewhat mysterious, source of anxiety relief, and none more so than the trusted dog. 

Dogs have repeatedly demonstrated that they can perform versatile tasks, from mine detection to guide dogs for the blind. Still, their remarkable ability to provide emotional support and be responsive to a human companion’s distress regarding anxiety and depression makes them an excellent option for Veterans who are looking for an ESA Dog.

Emotional support animals:

• Provide emotional support through companionship.

• May live with owners regardless of pet policies under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• Are not considered service animal under the law and is not covered by or afforded rights through the ADA.

It is important to note these differences. Even though therapy animals and emotional support animals may be very well trained and properly behaved, they are still not qualified to be service animals and do not have the same access rights.

Dogs can be wonderful companions for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, especially for veterans who may be struggling with the transition back to civilian life. Dogs can provide emotional support and companionship, which can be beneficial in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here are some ways in which a dog can help:

• Unconditional love and companionship: Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and always there for their owners. Simply spending time with a dog can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of comfort and security.

• Physical activity and exercise: Walking and playing with a dog can help increase physical activity levels, which can have a positive impact on mood and overall health.

• Stress relief: Petting and cuddling with a dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.

• Sense of purpose and responsibility: Caring for a dog can give a person a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can help combat feelings of helplessness or hopelessness that can accompany anxiety and depression.

• Social interaction: Walking a dog can provide opportunities for social interaction with other dog owners, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It's important to note that while dogs can provide emotional support, they are not a substitute for professional treatment for anxiety and depression. It's always best to consult with a mental health professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Here are some breeds that may be particularly well-suited to serve as emotional support animals for veterans:

BEST DOG BREEDS FOR VETERANS WITH PTSD

1. Poodles are often used as therapy dogs because they are hypoallergenic and non-shedding, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies. They are also highly intelligent and trainable and can be trained to provide specific assistance to veterans who are struggling with anxiety and depression. According to Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs, poodles are the second most intelligent dogs after border collies. Their intelligence also makes them excellent for anybody suffering from mental health issues. The breed that began life as hunting dogs for the French aristocracy has evolved into one of the most popular around. Their optimistic demeanor and super-friendly attitude make them perfect companions around the house, but they are also more than happy going for long walks.  Poodles are also incredibly receptive to human emotions while having quite an extraordinary capacity to learn.  

2. Golden Retrievers are a classic choice. They’re loyal, playful, and have a naturally sunny disposition. Their tail will be wagging while they comfort you with a nudge and a hug. A Golden retriever is also adept at reading quick shifts in its owner’s emotions, responding to subtle changes at the drop of a hat. Retrievers are the perfect choice for veterans with kids in the house since they’re very patient and more tolerant of rough handling than most breeds.  The breed’s intelligence and eagerness to please means they are easy to train for specific tasks. Goldens are an active breed requiring daily exercise, making them a great fit for on-the-go handlers in need of a second set of eyes. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them ideal for veterans who need a dog that can learn specific tasks to help them manage their anxiety and depression.

3. Goldendoodles are a great option for combining the strengths of both of the parent breeds. Goldendoodles also come in a variety of sizes as a result of the options provided by the various poodle breeds including Toy, Minature, and Moyen. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and trainable. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. This makes them easy to train as ESAs and helps them to become well-behaved and obedient pets.

4. Bernese Mountain Dogs can make excellent Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for the right individual. These dogs are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and gentle disposition, which can make them great companions for those in need of emotional support. These burly giants possess the intelligence, laid-back demeanor, and loyalty of a good service dog or Emotional Support Animal. Bernese Mountain Dogs can also be taught to fetch and carry items. While friendly and loving with their owners, these dogs can be aloof with strangers, a trait that will help keep them from getting distracted from their duties.

5. A Bernedoodle can potentially make a great emotional support animal (ESA) for veterans with PTSD or other mental health conditions. Bernedoodles are a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, and they are known for being friendly, affectionate, and intelligent. These qualities can be beneficial for individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

   Emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship to individuals who are dealing with mental health issues. They are not the same as service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks to help people with disabilities. However, emotional support animals can still provide a great deal of emotional support and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

6. Golden Mountain Doodle is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between a Golden Retriever, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and a Poodle or a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle. This breed is also sometimes referred to as a Bernedoodle Golden Retriever Poodle mix or a Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Golden Retriever mix. Golden Mountain Doodles typically have a wavy or curly coat that can be solid or multi-colored. They are known for being intelligent, loyal, and friendly dogs that make great family pets. At Stokeshire, we’re one of the TOP NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED GMD Breeders. We only have a limited number of these litters each year.
   

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In summary, a Poodle, Bernedoodle, Goldendoodle, or Golden Mountain Doodle (GMD) can make a great emotional support animal for veterans with PTSD or other mental health conditions. However, it's important to understand the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and to work with a mental health professional to determine if an emotional support animal is an appropriate treatment option. It's important to understand the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner. This includes providing proper care and attention, training the animal to behave appropriately in public, and ensuring that the animal is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. We help get you off on the right foot with CVIs, dewormings, and Doodle School!

It's also important to note that not all animals are suitable as emotional support animals, and it's important to work with a mental health professional or a licensed therapist to determine if an emotional support animal is an appropriate treatment option. We work with our Veteran clients who are looking for an ESA Dog specifically throughout the process to help pair them with the puppy that is the best fit for them. All of our puppies go through puppy testing at 6 weeks of age with one of our trainers using our Empowered Breeding Testing Protocols. They can also provide documentation that may be necessary for housing and travel accommodations. Once previously overlooked mental health conditions are more easily diagnosed as medical professionals learn more about mental health and in many cases, an ESA is a critical part of the coping process. While ESAs are not the same as service animals because they are not trained to perform a specific task, an ESA can be just as important to a person as a service animal. ESAs are responsible for providing their owners with a comforting presence that can facilitate the performing of daily life tasks. Just like service animals, ESAs have rights under state and federal laws.

Health INFormation: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. PTSD can develop following exposure to a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, combat, or witnessing a traumatic event.

Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of PTSD. People with PTSD often experience intense and persistent anxiety, which may manifest as panic attacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. They may also feel constantly on edge, easily startled, and have difficulty sleeping. All of these symptoms can make it difficult for people with PTSD to carry out daily activities and maintain relationships.

Depression is also common among individuals with PTSD. People with PTSD may feel a sense of hopelessness and despair, have difficulty experiencing pleasure, and feel a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also experience low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in mood or thoughts, hyperarousal or feeling constantly on edge, and changes in behavior, such as irritability or angry outbursts. PTSD can also impact a person's ability to function in their daily life, including relationships, work, and social activities.

PTSD is a significant mental health concern for military veterans in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), research indicates that approximately 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF), and up to 30% of veterans who served in the Vietnam War, experience PTSD in any given year.

The rates of PTSD among veterans can vary depending on several factors, including the nature and intensity of the trauma experienced, the length of time since the traumatic event occurred, and the individual's mental health history. Other risk factors for developing PTSD in veterans may include exposure to combat, being injured or witnessing others being injured or killed, and the level of social support they receive after returning from service.

It is important for veterans who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek help from mental health professionals. The VA offers a range of resources and services for veterans with PTSD, including evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure therapy, as well as medication management and support groups.

Treatment for PTSD may involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and group therapy are some common forms of psychotherapy used to treat PTSD. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms. At Stokeshire, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness and mental health that may include an emotional support doodle or poodle that best fits your needs. In working with your local VA.

A VA office typically refers to an office or facility operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which provides various services to veterans and their families. The VA is responsible for providing a wide range of benefits and services to eligible veterans, such as healthcare, education and training, disability compensation, home loans, life insurance, and pensions. VA offices can be found throughout the United States, and they are staffed by trained professionals who can help veterans access the benefits and services they need.

Here is a list of VA offices in Wisconsin:

1. Milwaukee VA Medical Center 5000 W. National Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53295

2. William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 2500 Overlook Terrace Madison, WI 53705

3. Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center 325 East H St. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 (serves northern Wisconsin)

4. Tomah VA Medical Center 500 East Veterans St. Tomah, WI 54660

5. Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs 30 W. Mifflin St. Madison, WI 53703

In addition to these main VA offices, there are also several VA outpatient clinics located throughout Wisconsin, including Green Bay, Appleton, Rhinelander, Union Grove, and more. We have a local VA office right here in Taylor County:

Taylor County Veterans Service Office 224 S. 2nd St. Medford, WI 54451 Phone: (715) 748-1466

Wisconsin has a significant population of veterans, with an estimated 324,000 veterans living in the state as of 2021. The state has a strong tradition of honoring and supporting its veterans, with a number of resources and services available to assist them in various ways.

Some of the resources available to Wisconsin veterans include:

1. Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA): The WDVA is responsible for providing assistance and advocacy to veterans and their families. They offer a range of services, including claims assistance, education and training benefits, and long-term care services.

2. Wisconsin Veterans Homes: Wisconsin operates three veterans homes in the state, which provide long-term care services to eligible veterans. These homes are located in King, Union Grove, and Chippewa Falls.

3. Wisconsin Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program: This program provides support to veterans who are experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues. Services offered include counseling, case management, and peer support.

4. Wisconsin Veterans Museum: Located in Madison, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is dedicated to preserving the stories and artifacts of Wisconsin veterans. The museum features exhibits on various military conflicts and the contributions of Wisconsin veterans.

5. Wisconsin Honor Flight Network: This organization provides free flights for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.

In addition to these resources, Wisconsin offers various benefits to eligible veterans, including property tax exemptions, education benefits, and hunting and fishing licenses at reduced rates. Overall, Wisconsin is committed to supporting its veterans and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Please reach out to begin the process of getting the support you need! Thank you for your service. We offer Scholarships and Discounts + additional support as a way of saving thank you for serving our country.

How do I get an ESA Letter?

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters are fully compliant with the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act. These are the two primary laws the dictate the terms by which individuals like you may leverage an ESA Letter for mental health purposes and live with a designated emotional support animal in situations where you otherwise would not be able to.

An ESA Letter allows you to possess an emotional support animal of your choosing within any housing you decide to live in, regardless of if pets are permitted by the landlord or management company. If a landlord questions this, you can point them to the Fair Housing Act, which lays this out explicitly. If you have an ESA Letter, they cannot deny you having an emotional support animal.

Sample ESA Template Letter for your Landlord

Below, we’ve included a template that you can use to craft an emotional support animal letter to your landlord.

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

In accordance with the Fair Housing Act, I am writing to request reasonable accommodation for my support animal, which will reside with me within my rental at [Rental Address].

I have a disability and, as such, require full-time assistance from this animal. I have attached a letter from my healthcare provider confirming my need for this form of assistance.

The animal in question is [include a brief description of your ESA].

If you wish to discuss this matter in more detail, you can reach me by phone at XXX-XXX-XXXX or email at [your email address].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sources:

https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/service-dogs-veterans-posttraumatic-stress-disorder/2015-06