Service Dogs and Anxiety

Nearly 20% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder, yet just over 1 in 3 of them seek treatment. Left untreated, anxiety can damage romantic relationships, friendships and careers. The good news? Many anxiety symptoms are manageable with learnable techniques and/or prescription medication. One little-explored type of treatment is to have a service dog. In fact, many people with anxiety have no idea that a service dog may offer them incredible help. A psychiatric service dog can help to identify and treat feelings of panic or anxiety, making it easier for the person to manage symptoms before they flare out of control.

Anxiety attacks often strike unexpectedly — at least from a human perspective. But psychiatric service dogs can identify the early symptoms of panic or anxiety before their owners experience a full-fledged attack, giving people time to practice calming techniques or grab prescription medication before symptoms escalate. Find out more about the benefits of owning a psychiatric service dog below.

Who Can Psychiatric Service Dogs Help?

Psychiatric service dogs work with humans who have one or more mental health conditions that significantly impact their lives. Conditions include bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD and depression. Prior to working with a human, a psychiatric dog undergoes formal training to learn how to best help with health-related symptoms. Moreover, service dogs are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means a landlord or retailer cannot discriminate against their owners. Psychiatric service dogs, trained through legitimate organizations, also fall into this protected category.

How Psychiatric Service Dogs Help With Anxiety and Panic Symptoms

Psychiatric service dogs help keep their owners safe and healthy. For someone with an anxiety or panic disorder, this may include:

1. Sensing and signaling that an episode is about to happen
2. Grabbing prescription medication before or during an attack
3. Reminding owners to take prescribed medication at specific times
4. Distracting owners during an episode by licking their face or extending a paw
5. Applying pressure to trigger points to soothe owners
6. Keeping away strangers who may make an episode worse
7. Grabbing a phone so owners can call or text for help
8. Bringing water or food to calm an owner during an anxiety or panic attack
9. Locating another person who can help

Service dogs — and in some cases pets in general — can also help keep owners physically and emotionally healthy before symptoms strike. Spending time with a furry friend can also help reduce stress and alleviate depression. It also encourages physical activity since the dog may enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood or visiting local parks. Those who are physically active may also find that the body releases mood-boosting endorphins, which may help reduce overall anxiety levels.

Need a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Qualifying for a service dog is often easier than getting one. To qualify, you just need a recommendation from a medical provider stating that you have a psychiatric condition and may experience improvement with at least one symptom if you get a service dog. Once you’re approved, you can obtain a service dog from an approved specialist. Service dogs are trained to help you manage your condition via verbal commands and nonverbal communication.

Some people with anxiety or panic disorders do not qualify for psychiatric service dogs. However, they may still be able to get emotional support animals. Like patients who want service dogs, adults interested in an emotional support animal need a letter from a licensed mental health professional explaining how having the animal can improve their condition. It’s important to remember, however, that emotional support animals do not have the same Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections as support animals.

If symptoms of anxiety or a panic disorder make it hard to perform everyday tasks, consider a psychiatric service dog. The dog can go nearly anywhere the patient may go, making it easier for people who need this support to reduce symptoms and live their best life.

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