The Benefits of Animal Therapy

Mental health is often a topic that people are hesitant to talk about. It can be challenging to open up about our feelings, especially if we don't feel like we have anyone to talk to. That's where animal therapy comes in. Dogs are one of the most common animals used in therapy, and for a good reason! They provide many benefits that can help improve our mental health. This blog post will discuss five ways dogs are used as a treatment for mental health issues.

1) Dogs can provide comfort and companionship.

If you're feeling lonely or isolated, spending time with a dog can help. Dogs are known for their ability to provide unconditional love and support, which can be incredibly helpful when dealing with mental health issues. They offer us a sense of connection and companionship that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Breeds like a schnauzer, Kerris Havanese, and Pomeranians are known for their friendly nature and companionship. 

Additionally, dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Spending time with a calm, relaxed dog can help us feel more relaxed. Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are important for reducing stress levels.

Via pexels 

2) Dogs can help us get exercise.

Exercise is an essential part of maintaining mental health. It helps to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. All of these benefits can be extremely helpful when dealing with mental health issues.

Walking a dog is a great way to get some exercise while spending time with a furry friend. Dogs need to walk, so it's a win-win situation! Getting out in nature and enjoying some fresh air can also be beneficial for our mental health.

3) Dogs can help us socialize.

Mental health issues can often lead to social isolation. Spending time with a dog can help us break out of our comfort zone and interact with other people. Dogs are a great icebreaker and can help us start conversations with others. They can also provide support and encouragement when we're feeling shy or anxious.

Meeting new people and interacting with them on a regular basis is important for maintaining mental health. Dogs can help make this process easier and more enjoyable.

4) Dogs can provide a sense of purpose.

Via pexels 

When dealing with mental health issues, it can be easy to feel like we don't have a purpose in life. Having a dog can help us feel needed and appreciated. Dogs rely on us for their care, which can help us feel more capable and competent. They also offer us unconditional love and companionship, which can boost our self-esteem.

5) Dogs can help us live in the present.

Mental health issues often cause us to dwell on past events or worry about the future. This can lead to a feeling of being stuck in a negative loop. Dogs can help break this cycle by living in the present moment. They don't dwell on the past or worry about the future, which can help us do the same.

.

Via pexels 

Dogs offer many benefits that can be helpful for mental health issues. If you're considering getting a dog, be sure to do your research to find the right breed for you. Each type of dog has its own unique personality and needs, so it's crucial to find one that will fit nicely into your life.

Family Disaster Dogs Interview with Delivery Rank

Amber Higgins and Family Disaster Dogs Interview  

Great News!

I was just interviewed for Family Disaster Dogs by DeliveryRank, an online resource for meal delivery services and subscription boxes with a blog covering everything from nutritional guidance to health trends and advancements in the food and beverage industry.

They have recently launched a new segment for Pet Owners to bring great pet food and food news to your door. 

Have a Look at the interview here or go to https://www.deliveryrank.com/blog/family-disaster-dogs-interview

                               Rea Valley's Incredible Sue who is mentioned in the interview

Please share with your friends so everyone can benefit and know can have pet meals delivered too!

Be sure to Follow DeliveryRank and Family Disaster Dogs on Social Media. 

Family Disaster Dogs is on Twitter as @URDogCanRescueU

Be Ready for Wildfire Season with Pets

 

click here to Check out the Book on Amazon  and Audible 

Get an author signed book directly from me at fddk9books.company.site

This book explains how-to evacuate with pets.

How-to make a bug-out (survival) bag for owners and dogs to carry.

Every dog of any age or size can help its family evacuate. Be prepared for disasters with your pets.

Learn what to expect at disaster shelters and from pet rescue during disasters.


Included is a detailed expanded list of survival items for pets and owners with step-by step instructions to train your dog to carry a saddlebag to hold items to evacuate and "bug-out" with.


Plus Pet CPR instructions and how-to calm a frightened pet.

How-to find a lost pet.

USA Evacuation Law for pets.

From the author of Family Disaster Dogs, books, blog and lessons.

Here's a no cost preview of this small valuable book.

Please leave a review, thank you for helping others to learn what to do too!

What You Need to Know About Ticks on Your Dog in Ontario

Ticks might look small and innocuous, but they can pass on diseases to your dog. And ticks can be transmitted to you when you pet your dog. If you notice your dog has ticks, it's crucial to act quickly. You can help your dog by regularly brushing the hair and examining the skin for small ticks. 

To safeguard your dog from falling victim to any tick-borne disease:

• Be mindful of where your dog is while walking in grassy and shrubbed areas.

• Develop the habit of routinely checking your dog thoroughly for ticks at the end of every day.

• Consult a veterinarian on pet medication options to help prevent ticks. 

 

Regular veterinarian-approved medication to control ticks is essential if your dog goes into tick habitats.

Tick medications don't repel ticks but are instead designed to kill ticks. Dog owners should continue checking for ticks on their dogs daily, even when their dogs are taking tick medicine.

What time of year are ticks most prevalent?

Ticks are most active in humid and warm weather, thriving during the spring and summer and reemerging in the fall. The peak months are April and October. They can be found anywhere in Ontario if the temperature is above freezing. 

 

What to do if you find a tick on your dog

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick by carefully grasping the tick as close as possible to the skin. Slowly and steadily pull the tick upward and away from your dog's skin. With a steady hand, pull gently upward  until the skin the tick is attached to starts to tent, then wait for several seconds. At this point, the tick will usually release the skin. 

You want to refrain from pulling too aggressively or fast, which risks crushing the tick's body. Also, avoid twisting the tweezers or squeezing the tick’s belly or body. This is because if any of the tick’s gut contents enter the area the tick was latched on to, it will increase the chances of disease transmission. 

After removing the tick, kill it by submerging it in a small container of alcohol before placing it in a plastic bag and discarding it into the waste. Take a picture to document what type of tick you removed in case your dog develops symptoms. Since there are different species of ticks and tick-borne diseases, to avoid the risk of transmission, never crush a tick. The vast majority of tick bites occur without the transmission of any tick-borne illness, however, after tick removal, monitor your dog for any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue (reluctance to move)

• Pale gums

• Depression

• Seizures

• Swelling and soreness in limbs

• Any other symptoms can occur

How long does a tick have to be attached before it will transmit a disease?

 

A tick has to be attached for a significant amount of time before a disease can be transmitted. However, it’s hard to narrow down the time period. In some studies, diseases have been spread in less than 24 hours, but most of the time it takes longer. Checking your pet for ticks every 24 hours is a good way to significantly reduce your dog’s risk of getting a tick-borne illness. 

How long does it take Lyme disease or a tick-borne infection to manifest after finding a tick on your dog?

The time varies depending on the disease or infection. Once the tick is embedded into the skin after an extended period, the disease is transmitted. It enters the bloodstream, affecting different body organs. Only 5-10% of infected dogs develop clinical signs of Lyme disease. Signs usually develop within 2-5 months of infection.

How does Lyme disease affect your dog?

If left untreated, Lyme disease could progress into serious complications, leading to kidney failure. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help ease discomfort and resolve symptoms.

If Lyme disease is transmitted, your dog could experience: 

• Kidney disease

• Soreness in the limbs

• Extreme fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

Other diseases and infections ticks can spread to your dog include:

• Anaplasmosis: fever, muscle aches, and other uncomfortable symptoms, including lethargy and loss of appetite Babesiosis: anemia, pale gums, weakness, fever, body aches, loss of appetite, bruising, jaundice

• Tick Paralysis: heavy breathing, difficulty breathing, loss of muscle function

• Ehrlichiosis: weight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes

How To Tick-proof Your Yard

Regularly mow your lawn, and use a weed wacker in hard-to-reach areas or against fencing to trim long grass. 

If you frequently take your dog on hikes, check for ticks around the neck and ears, and do a full-body examination post-hike. Humans can also contract tick-borne diseases. Always check your body, especially underarms, behind knees, and around your wrists, after leaving an area with dense grass or shrubs. 

It’s very important that you schedule an online telehealth appointment with a Vetster veterinarian to formulate the best and most effective plan to prevent flea and tick infestation.