Holiday Foods That Are Bad for Dogs

Posted on November 28, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

It’s the holiday season again! Naturally, there’s a surge of food and treats around your house. But more food choices don’t necessarily mean it’s great for your pet dog.

Most of us know that chocolates are bad for your dog. But you might be surprised that some of your holiday feasts can also harm your fur buddy. Here’s a list of holiday foods and ingredients that your dog should avoid ingesting.

1. Grapes and their Dried Products

Did you know that grapes can cause renal failure in dogs? You may be surprised that this fruit is harmful to dogs, but it’s true.

Studies show that grapes and their dried products, such as raisins, sultanas, and currants, are toxic to dogs. This fruit can be ingested raw or cooked as an ingredient in holiday desserts like fruit cakes, mince pies, and snack bars. Once eaten, this may lead to food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. So, keep your desserts and fruit baskets out of your pet’s reach and serve them to your relatives instead.

2. Caffeine

Chocolate was identified as one of the 10 most common cases of toxicosis in dogs. But why is it so bad for them? It’s because chocolate contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Actually, other plant-derived substances called methylxanthines found in foods and beverages are also toxic.

Get your pet away from methylxanthine-containing foods, including coffee, tea, cocoa powder, chocolate milk, cookies, and cakes. To know whether your dog has ingested one of these foods, look for signs of food poisoning and immediately go to the nearest veterinary office.

3. Bones

Bones are not toxic to dogs, but when cooked, they can splinter and get lodged in your pet’s throat. This may result in serious injuries such as choking, gastrointestinal obstruction, and bleeding. To keep your dog safe, only give meat from your holiday meals and not the bones. Don’t put the cooked chicken or beef bones in your trash can, as your pet may dig them out.

4. Onions and garlic

Onions, garlic, chives, and all members of a bulbous plant group called Allium are known for their strong aroma and odor. They’re commonly used as ingredients in many holiday dishes, like stuffings and baked goods. However, these plants also contain substances that are toxic to dogs. When ingested, this may cause blood cell damage and anemia. Even cooking, drying, or processing does not remove the plants’ toxicity, so it’s best to just keep them away from your pets.

5. Alcohol

Wines and beers are a must in most households to pair with their favorite dishes. But it’s just for human consumption — don’t let your dog get a hold of them. This may seem like common sense, but if left unattended, your pet may accidentally end up drinking them. Alcohols or alcohol-containing fruitcakes or eggnogs are toxic to dogs. Once ingested, the ethanol is rapidly absorbed in their digestive tract and may cause digestive and respiratory issues.

Conclusion

The holiday season is the time to eat, drink and be merry for you and your pet buddy. But before allowing them to indulge, ensure that their tummies are safe. Double-check if your holiday treats are suitable for your dog, then give them in moderate amounts.

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The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Do College Students Need Emotional Support Animals?

Posted on November 21, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

College life is a unique experience, but it can also be overwhelming. In fact, most students experience anxiety because of academics, high expectations, and separation from their families. Some may develop emotional disorders like depression, social anxiety, or worse — suicidal thoughts.

If your academic performance is hindered by any of these conditions, consider getting an emotional support animal (ESA). This article discusses different examples of ESAs and how they can benefit college students.

The Surge of Emotional Support Animals in College Dorms

You may be wondering if you’re allowed to bring animals on campus. Technically speaking, not all colleges and universities allow students to bring pets inside the campus. But emotional support animals are not just pets. They’re prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to provide comfort to their owner and ease their anxiety. You may not be able to bring them to class, but they can be your roommate in your dorm.

All institutions are required by law not to deny housing to ESA owners. According to the Fair Housing Act, ESAs are permitted to almost every type of housing. This includes university dorms and apartments. In addition, landlords are not allowed to charge extra fees or impose restrictions on ESAs.

As the stigma of mental illness diminishes, schools have started accommodating ESAs to mitigate suicides among students in recent years. In fact, colleges are seeing a rise in student requests who want to bring an ESA into their dorms. Many schools are also using therapy animals to help students during stressful times.

What Are the Benefits of Emotional Support Animals for College Students?

Having an emotional support animal by your side comes with different perks for students, especially those that are still adjusting to college. The benefits include the following:

They help you become physically more active. Your physical health is as important as your mental health, so it’s essential that you keep it in good shape. ESAs, especially dogs, can help you be more active by walking or playing around the campus. These activities are also a good distraction, so you don’t excessively focus on your academics.
You can handle homesickness better. It’s typical for students to want to be with their families, which makes them feel depressed when they can’t. ESAs can be your companion, so you don’t miss home that much. They can give you a sense of familiarity in a new place and can be a good distraction from all the sadness.
They’re your support system. Whether they’re paying attention to you or not, ESAs are a great support system just by being there with you. It’s a plus if you actually feel their love when they go to your lap or want your touch. Essentially, they make your day so much better and your college life more bearable.

Conclusion

One of the most common misconceptions about ESAs is that any student can bring them. Note that a pet owner should be able to recognize if a place is conducive for animals. Most dorm rooms are too small, and animals can get neglected. If you really need an ESA, make sure that you’re responsible enough to take care of your fur buddy.

Read more articles below!

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

Everyday Tips to Promote the Health and Wellness of Your Furry Friend

Posted on November 15, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Pets make our lives happier by being our cheerful companions. However, they can’t do that if they’re uncomfortable or living in poor conditions.

As owners, we have a responsibility of taking care of our pets. Even if they’re trained as emotional support animals or service animals, pets still have basic needs for stress-free lives and also to fulfill their duties. Taking care of your furry friend may take effort, but there are simple ways to ensure its happiness. Here’s what you can do each day to help your buddy live a long and healthy life.

1. Provide them with a nutritious diet

This is one of the most important things that you need to note for your pet. Never let your furry friend starve, and make sure that you feed them with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet will make your pet physically and emotionally healthy.

Different foods are recommended for each type of animal. For example, rabbits should eat a lot of hay, cats require a meat-based diet, and dogs can eat both meat and vegetables. Also, don’t forget to provide ample amounts of water so that your furry friend stays hydrated.

2. Make sure they have daily exercise

Your pet also needs exercise to stay in an excellent physical and mental state. You may take them on simple walks, play around, or go hiking. Just make sure you accompany your pet and prioritize their safety and comfort. Daily exercise also allows you to be physically active and share a bond with your buddy.

3. Regularly groom your pet

Ensure that your pet is clean to avoid any disease and complications. Some already clean themselves by licking their furs and shaking. But some pets, like dogs, need to regularly bathe. Brushing their coat is also necessary to prevent skin and lung issues.

4. Try to train your pet

Some animals, like service animals or therapy animals, are already trained to perform important functions that help people suffering from mental or physical conditions. But you can also train your pet to socialize or litter in a proper spot. This will help you manage them more easily and efficiently. If you’re a first-time pet owner, you might want to consult a professional or take a class. Some shelters also offer training that teaches owners how to discipline their pets correctly.

Read more: 7 Commands to Teach a Service Dog

5. Regularly visit the vet

A regular checkup is the best way to ensure that your pet is healthy. This doesn’t have to be done every day, but make sure you visit the vet at least once a year to check for underlying issues. This will allow you to prevent complications if your pet suffers from severe health conditions.

6. Give your attention and love

Demonstrate your love for your buddy by petting, cuddling, or giving it a belly rub. Don’t be shy to show your affection because your furry friend will not judge you. In fact, these gestures will fortify your emotional bond with each other.

Conclusion

Show your pet your gratitude and make sure it’s safe and comfortable in your care. Learn what your pet may feel and find ways to recognize when they’re stressed. They may not say it to you, but your pet will be grateful for your love and efforts!

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

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Dining Out with Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Posted on October 31, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Are you tired of eating in your house but afraid to leave your dog alone? Don’t worry because you can bring your buddy with you.

Dining out with your dog is actually a great way to spend time with your dog, especially if you’re always busy at work. Bringing your pet with you is a pleasant experience because they’re always cheerful throughout the meal. You may be afraid that your dog might cause trouble in the restaurant, but trained dogs are very calm and socialize well with other people. This is almost always the case for trained service animals, emotional support animals, or therapy dogs.

Here are tips to make your dining experience more enjoyable with your dog.

1. Call ahead.

Nowadays, many establishments allow dogs to enter inside the premises, but it’s best to make sure before you leave your house. Visit the restaurant’s website and know the restaurant’s pet policy. You may also call them ahead for clarifications and reservations.

2. Prepare before going to the restaurant.

To make sure that your dog is comfortable, you need to prepare some things like a portable water bowl, chew toys, and some treats. The treats and toys can help lessen your pet’s boredom, especially when your meal lasts for several hours.

The smell in the restaurant can be tempting for your dog but don’t feed your dog from your plate. It’s not healthy for them, it can reinforce begging at the table, and it may not be pleasant for other people. Instead, feed your dog beforehand so it’s not hungry.

Have your pet relieve itself before going out, as it would be rude to pee on the establishment’s floor. You can also put on a diaper to ensure it will not do any funny business during your stay outside.

3. Keep your dog leashed.

Always keep your dog by your side by putting it on a leash. This ensures your dog’s safety and the people around you. Secure the leash in your hand or wrist, and don’t tie the leash to any furniture like tables or chairs, as they can be damaged once the dog suddenly bolts away.

4. Keep your dog away from too many people.

Select a corner or a patio where there are fewer people to reduce the risk of your dog’s leash being entangled with any person’s legs. Also, pick a time when the restaurant is less busy. Your dog will be less anxious if the restaurant is not overcrowded.

5. Make sure your dog understands basic commands.

Your dog should understand basic commands including “sit”, “lie down”, and “wait”. This is to give respect and courtesy to other patrons. People who are not used to being around dogs may find naughty and noisy dogs distracting.

Conclusion

Have fun, but remember to consider your dog’s safety and happiness first. Also, please note that dogs are not as independent as you are. So, always check up on them and more importantly — never force them to do anything that they don’t enjoy.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

6 Ways to Practice Emotional Self-Care

Posted on October 24, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Different circumstances in our lives can significantly affect our emotions, whether it’s a breakup, work pressure, societal expectations, or losing a loved one. Without proper emotional management, all these negative things can pile up in our hearts resulting in a burden too heavy to bear.

So how can we manage our emotions?

One thing that we can do is practice emotional self-care. Self-care doesn’t mean you only pamper yourself with a massage or treating yourself to a spa day. Emotional self-care also self-care means connecting to your inner self and nurturing your feelings and emotions.

Here are ways to practice emotional self-care.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

Some people tend to ignore their emotions and pretend everything’s alright, but this can eventually result in an emotional breakdown. Don’t ignore what you feel. If you’re sad, cry it all out. Once we become honest with ourselves, we can start understanding our circumstances and begin sorting out our feelings.

Get a journal. Identify and write what triggers your emotions. As you write those triggers, determine different ways you can manage them.

2. Have a loving support system.

Some adversaries can be very isolating. You might feel embarrassed or scared that people may judge you. But sometimes, a shoulder to cry on is what we need.

Reliable and supportive relationships help us be more emotionally healthy. It’s vital that we stay connected with our loved ones, especially during these isolating times.

3. Learn to maintain healthy boundaries.

“No” is a powerful word.

One way to practice self-care is by maintaining boundaries with work, study, or other people. Don’t let the environment consume your sense of self. You can protect your emotional health by having a personal space where you feel comfortable.

4. Consider getting an emotional support animal.

If it’s hard for you to open up to people, you can start opening up with a furry friend. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a different type of loving support system. An ESA is more than a pet. They can be our companions that help us relax and control our emotions. They can also help decrease anxiety and loneliness for people with mental illness.

5. Be more present.

Try to practice mindfulness or the act of being present. For example, try to close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. Just be aware of your environment and how it affects your feelings.

This generation can be easily distracted because of our devices and the internet. So try to lessen your use of social media. Instead, focus more on the people around you. Connecting with nature helps you meditate and leads to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.

6. Get support from a therapist or mental health professional.

If your emotions get too overwhelming, consider getting help from a mental health professional. Having regular meetings with a therapist can also help. There is no shame in reaching out to these people. In fact, they can help you identify and manage your feelings.

Conclusion

You don’t have to walk on the journey of life alone. Yes, sometimes our circumstances make us feel very isolated. But remember that there are some people or animals who can be great companions that can help with emotional self-care.

Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Rabbits

Posted on October 18, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

They hop, they jump, and their cuteness never stops. Rabbits may be known for their pointy ears and adorable faces, but they’re also among the list of people’s favorite pets!

But rabbits are more than just cute, hopping animals. They’re also great companions. Suppose you’re considering adopting a rabbit, or you already have one that provides emotional support. In that case, you need to take note of some facts about your furry friend to ensure its safety and happiness. Here are 7 interesting facts about rabbits.

1. Too many carrots can hurt your bunny.

When you think about rabbits, what may come to mind is the cartoon character “Bugs Bunny,” who holds a carrot and constantly eats them. But in reality, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes aren’t a natural part of a rabbit’s diet.

In addition, carrots have high sugar content, so they should only be given occasionally as a treat. A rabbit’s main diet should be hay with some fresh vegetables and good-quality pellet food.

2. Rabbits do ‘binky’ when they’re super happy.

A rabbit binks when it hops in the air while twisting its body midair with an additional kick of the feet. Rabbits often do that when they’re happy in a place, and it’s really adorable to watch.

3. Rabbits purr when they feel relaxed.

Yes, they purr when relaxed and comfortable, but it’s not the same as a cat’s purr. Rabbits purr by gently grinding their teeth together. It’s quite noticeable when you’re rabbit is on your lap or gently stroking its head.

4. Their teeth never stop growing.

A rabbit’s teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, so they should always be given veggies and hay to help maintain the teeth in a normal size. When rabbits don’t eat enough hay, their teeth may overgrow, which can be painful to their gums and make it difficult for them to eat.

5. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves.

Rabbits are very hygienic. They keep themselves clean by licking their paws and fur so they don’t need to be bathed like some other pets. In fact, bathing rabbits are discouraged because it can trigger stress or cause them to panic.

6. Rabbits are social animals.

Most rabbits may be silent, but they’re really social creatures. They may not be as expressive as dogs or cats, but rabbits love their owners’ company. That is why they make remarkable emotional support animals.

They’re often misunderstood because they’re quiet, but they can show their emotions, and you can train them too! It’s also best to give your rabbit company from the same species to avoid loneliness and depression. The best combination is a neutered male and a neutered female.

7. Rabbits can eat their own poop.

It may seem weird or disgusting, but it’s normal when rabbits eat their poop. In fact, it’s an essential part of their digestion.

Rabbits have a fast-moving digestive system, so they can’t absorb all nutrients from the food. As a result, they produce a soft type of poop called cecotropes, which are meant to be eaten to absorb nutrients that they’ve missed from the initial digestion.

Conclusion

Rabbits are more than just Easter holiday gifts for children. Like other animals, they need your care and love. So when considering getting a rabbit, prepare essential things like food and shelter and make sure you have time for them.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

Posted on October 10, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Dogs play an important role in a person’s life. They can make their owner happier and feel loved. Owning a dog can also provide several physical and emotional benefits. But some dogs do more than just show affection. The use of service dogs has skyrocketed during the past years because these dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help individuals with disabilities.

To get a service dog, you first need to know the basics. Note that they’re not emotional support animals or therapy dogs, which aren’t as trained as they are. This article defines service dogs and explains how you can get one.

What Is a Service Dog and What Are These Dogs Used For?

A service dog, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.”

If you have a physical or mental condition that can limit your daily activities, you can be qualified to get a service dog. For example, service dogs can guide people with visual impairments while walking. They can also use signals to warn the deaf or alert people when someone is to have a seizure or cardiac arrest. There are also psychiatric service dogs that assist individuals with mental disorders.

Overall, people with disabilities can be safer with service dogs on their side. And today, different breeds of dogs are trained to do complex tasks to better assist their owners.

How to Qualify for a Service Dog

To qualify for a service dog, you must first have a disability that falls under the ADA’s definition of disability. But don’t worry. There’s a wide range of physical and mental disabilities that may qualify for service dogs. Here are some examples:

Partial or complete blindness
partial or complete hearing loss
Epilepsy
Autism
Asthma
Allergies
Bipolar Disorder
Depression or Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Get documentation from your doctor to prove that you currently have a condition that may require assistance from an animal. Keep in mind that the dog should be trained to do tasks that specifically relate to your condition.

Steps to Get a Service Dog

Before you decide to get a service dog, you should first consider whether you can take care of an animal or not. Owning a service dog means taking the responsibility to properly feed, clean, and protect them.

Once you’ve considered all the responsibilities of owning a service dog, follow the steps below.

1. Get documentation from a healthcare provider. Your doctor should state that you need a service animal to assist you because of your disability.

2. Get a permit or apply to an organization that provides service dogs. Submit all the necessary requirements and fill out all the application forms. This is to make sure that you have the capability to take care of the dog.

3. Choose a dog breed. Determine which dog breed can follow your lifestyle. The most popular service dog breeds are labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and german shepherd dogs.

4. Get to know your new friend. Take your time to get comfortable with your service dog. You can regularly take a walk or constantly talk with your dog.

5. Follow-up lessons. Most service dog providers will inform you to occasionally visit their office so your dog can have some follow-up training.

Conclusion

Note that you can’t quickly get a service dog. Training a service dog takes time, especially when you’re training your own dog. This is why some people would rather get a service dog from others who have already trained it.

Read more articles here!

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

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Dogs Can Sniff Out These 5 Health Problems In Humans

Posted on October 4, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

Dogs are man’s best friend, but it’s not just because they’re cute and adorable. We have a strong relationship with them because dogs are extremely good at reading us.

Dogs can read us through our body language and their extreme sense of smell. In fact, dogs possess up to 300 million scent receptors in their nose, and their brain analyzes smell 40x more efficiently than ours. In fact, their smell is so powerful that they can detect substances at one part per trillion concentration. This is equivalent to a single drop of food coloring in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools!

Dogs can even detect our feelings. This may explain why they’re very effective emotional support and service animals for people suffering from mental health conditions like depression and autism. But aside from being sensitive to human emotions, recent studies show that trained dogs can smell several human diseases. So, if you have medical conditions, trained service dogs can warn you before exhibiting symptoms.

Here are five medical conditions that trained service dogs can detect.

1. Cancer

One of the most studied conditions that dogs can detect is cancer. They can smell different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer. They can detect early stages of cancer in blood samples, breath samples, and urine samples with high accuracy.[1]

Dogs change in behavior once they think you have a medical condition. They may look sad or repeatedly paw or sniff the area with cancer. These may be subtle behavioral changes, but you should take note of them and double-check with your doctor.

2. Diabetes

Researchers have observed that dogs can monitor hypoglycemia in people with diabetes.[2] By smelling your breath, dogs can detect if you have too low or too high blood sugar levels. That is because of the chemical isoprene that significantly rises in your breath during an episode of low blood sugar. [3]

Trained dogs notify their owners when they have low and high glycemic levels by jumping up, pawing, or nudging the owner. Untrained dogs may show signs of discomfort or anxiety.

3. Malaria

A recent study showed that trained dogs can detect malaria by sniffing people’s socks. This is because people infected with malaria produce a specific odor from their breath and skin.[4] For places that are close to eliminating malaria, dogs can sniff out the people who are asymptomatic carriers, which can prevent another outbreak.

4. Seizures

Seizures can be very unpredictable for people with epilepsy, and there are still no tools or instruments that can predict seizures in a domestic setting. Trained dogs were shown to notify their owners right before a seizure appeared.

Dogs display subtle behavioral changes like licking their owner’s faces and wrists or standing next to their owner before their owner experiences a seizure. [5]

Read more: 5 Nutrition Tips for Service Dogs

5. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a medical condition that affects the sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep, even when they’re walking or in the middle of doing something.

A study showed that trained service dogs can detect narcolepsy patients using sweat samples. They can warn their owners up to five minutes before a narcolepsy attack occurs. Dogs trained to detect narcolepsy warn their owners by barking, nudging, licking, or standing next to them.

Conclusion

If you’re suffering from these medical conditions, you can get a trained service dog to warn and assist you. They are indeed very helpful, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop seeing your doctor. Note that dogs still cannot replace standard laboratory testing.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

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The Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors

Posted on September 26, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

We tend to feel lonely as we grow older. Our children may get busy with their lives, and we may be placed in a senior care facility. Feeling lonely is normal, but it doesn’t have to affect you negatively. One of the ways to combat loneliness is with the companionship of a pet.

Pets help improve the well-being of people at any age level. They give us joy, company, and purpose in our daily lives. This is why people with depression and anxiety are encouraged to have pet therapy. And seniors can have them too! Studies show that pet therapy can improve our elders’ overall quality of life, especially those suffering from mental health conditions. [1]

This article discusses pet therapy and how senior citizens can benefit from it.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, also referred to as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a guided interaction of a person or patient with a trained emotional support animal. The most common animals used in pet therapy are cats and dogs, but birds, rabbits, and horses can also be used.

When your doctor suggests you take pet therapy, a trained handler takes the animal to your home or retirement community. This allows you to experience the benefits of interacting with pets without the responsibility of pet ownership.

What are the Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors?

Pet therapy gives you an opportunity to form a bond with a friendly animal. With that, your mental, emotional, and physical health may improve. Here are scientifically proven benefits of pet therapy. [2]

1. Decreases stress levels

Cortisol is a chemical released in your brain that triggers you to be more alert. But when there’s too much cortisol, it makes you more stressed. Pet therapy lowers cortisol levels, making you calmer and more relaxed.

2. Lowers the feeling of isolation and loneliness

A survey showed that loneliness in senior citizens from long-term care facilities improved with AAT.[3] This may be due to the increased serotonin, a chemical associated with satisfaction, happiness, and optimism. Pets act as natural antidepressants because they make us laugh, smile, and feel better.

3. Lowers blood pressure and cardiovascular risk

Studies show that pet therapy significantly decreases blood pressure and heart rate, which can lower the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.[4] This may be due to the calming effect brought by the companionship of pets. In addition, walking with pets like dogs is a form of moderate exercise that can help us be physically active.

4. Improves mood

Interactions with pets allow our bodies to release more oxytocin and dopamine. [5] Oxytocin and dopamine are also known as the love and happy hormones, respectively. Increased levels of these hormones results in lower anxiety and higher satisfaction. It helps seniors gain a more positive outlook on life.

5. Increases social interaction

Animals listen to us without any biased judgment. When seniors are uncomfortable sharing some of their thoughts with family or friends, they can talk to animals instead.

Conclusion

If a senior is active enough to properly care for a pet, they can opt to own a pet. Owning a pet may mean more responsibilities, but the good news is that you will have a companion every day. However, keep in mind that pet therapy doesn’t replace the love that our elders feel from their families. So, hug your grandparents and give them the love and attention that they need.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Bearded Dragons as Emotional Support Pets: What You Should Know

Posted on September 19, 2022 by SARC Editorial Staff

In the past few years, many individuals going through anxiety and depression have turned to animals for emotional support. Pets have always been a unique source of comfort through companionship and helping people cope with stress. When you feel overwhelmed, they can act as a familiar friend that provides a sense of calmness and reassurance.

Although cats and dogs are the most common choice, emotional support animals (ESA) can come in all shapes, sizes, and species. It may surprise you, but even the most unusual animals can be excellent ESAs. Recently, reptiles have become a popular choice for therapy animals, especially bearded dragons.

Are Bearded Dragons Eligible to be Emotional Support Animals?

Yes, they are! In fact, any domestic animal can be eligible for ESA, as long as they don’t cause problems for other people or animals when out in public. What makes bearded dragons great ESA is that they’re easy to carry around and don’t interact much with other animals. They’re also harmless, don’t need as much attention as dogs, and can easily accompany you wherever you go.

How Can They Help You Emotionally?

Like any other animal, bearded dragons are sentient beings capable of feeling pleasure, suffering, and emotional pain. Moreover, they have compassion, can respond to negative or positive happenings, and can bond with their human companions. These traits can be beneficial for people with anxiety and depression. A bearded dragon’s presence can help provide comfort, alleviate loneliness, and reduce stress, especially during challenging situations.

Owning a bearded dragon requires responsibility, and caring for them can give you feelings of satisfaction and pride. It gives you a sense of purpose. And when you see your pet thriving, it can also make you feel good about yourself and boost your confidence.

Another benefit of bearded dragons is that they’re excellent conversation starters, making social interactions much more comfortable for their owners. The best part is, when you’re in a social gathering, you don’t have to find the right thing to say to someone. People may simply start talking to you and may ask questions about your reptile friend.

Care Tips for Bearded Dragons

While reptiles are not as demanding as mammals, they still need some tender loving care. Bearded dragons need live food and a particular habitat to survive. That said, here are some tips on how to care for your bearded dragons.

Provide the proper vivarium. For one adult bearded dragon, you’ll need at least a 120cm long x 60cm high x 60 cm wide vivarium. Make sure it’s secure, well-ventilated, spacious, and easy to clean. This will keep your bearded dragon safe, especially when you’re not around.

Set the right temperature and lighting. Since reptiles are cold-blooded, their vivarium must maintain a temperature that ranges from a hotter (38 to 42 degrees Celsius) bright end to a cooler (22 to 26 degrees Celcius) shaded end. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and keep it low.

Feed them the proper diet. Feed your bearded dragon with live insects and vegetables. Examples of live foods include crickets, mealworms, and king worms. For vegetables, sweet potato, pepper, kale, and parsley are great options.

Conclusion

A bearded dragon may not be your first choice, but it can be an excellent emotional support animal. Their small size makes it easier to carry them and accompany you while traveling. They can be adorable creatures, especially if you’re into reptiles. Plus, caring for them is not as demanding as cats and dogs. If bearded dragons can help dissolve some of the loneliness that accompanies your anxiety and depression, then they’re perfect for you. In the end, it doesn’t matter what pet you choose, as long as they can provide you with comfort, love, and companionship.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

1. Grapes and their Dried Products

2. Caffeine

3. Bones

4. Onions and garlic

5. Alcohol

Conclusion

Share to Show Your Support!

The Surge of Emotional Support Animals in College Dorms

What Are the Benefits of Emotional Support Animals for College Students?

Conclusion

Share to Show Your Support!

1. Provide them with a nutritious diet

2. Make sure they have daily exercise

3. Regularly groom your pet

4. Try to train your pet

5. Regularly visit the vet

6. Give your attention and love

Conclusion

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1. Call ahead.

2. Prepare before going to the restaurant.

3. Keep your dog leashed.

4. Keep your dog away from too many people.

5. Make sure your dog understands basic commands.

Conclusion

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1. Acknowledge your feelings.

2. Have a loving support system.

3. Learn to maintain healthy boundaries.

4. Consider getting an emotional support animal.

5. Be more present.

6. Get support from a therapist or mental health professional.

Conclusion

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1. Too many carrots can hurt your bunny.

2. Rabbits do ‘binky’ when they’re super happy.

3. Rabbits purr when they feel relaxed.

4. Their teeth never stop growing.

5. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves.

6. Rabbits are social animals.

7. Rabbits can eat their own poop.

Conclusion

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What Is a Service Dog and What Are These Dogs Used For?

How to Qualify for a Service Dog

Steps to Get a Service Dog

Conclusion

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1. Cancer

2. Diabetes

3. Malaria

4. Seizures

5. Narcolepsy

Conclusion

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What is Pet Therapy?

What are the Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors?

Conclusion

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Are Bearded Dragons Eligible to be Emotional Support Animals?

How Can They Help You Emotionally?

Care Tips for Bearded Dragons

Conclusion

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