4 Ways Your Emotional Support Dog Can Help You Fight Social Anxiety

 Your emotional support dog can contribute to your happiness. Studies show that dogs reduce risks of common mental health conditions, such as anxiety, stress, etc. Individuals living with dogs have lower blood pressure levels as compared to those who don’t own dogs.

In this post, we are going to discuss how having an ESA can help you fight social anxiety-

Emotional Support Dog Improves Social Interaction

People with social anxiety often have difficulty talking to strangers. That’s why they often avoid visiting general stores, restaurants, etc.

Dogs are great companions that have the ability to increase their handlers’ social connections. They are amazing icebreakers, making it easier for people to start conversations. In fact, people love talking about dogs and often enter into deep conversations.

Some studies show that dog owners are more likely to talk to people in their neighborhood than non-owners.

Emotional Support Dog Boosts Physical Activity Levels

Exercising not only helps building muscles but improves mental health as well. Studies show that regular exercise improves self-esteem and reduces stress, thus making you feel better.

Dogs require regular exercise to stay active. Different dog breeds have different exercising requirements. Even some small dogs require long walks and hikes.


Thus, having a dog at home can help you boost your physical activity levels. You will get an opportunity to spend some time outdoors, which will help you calm your mind. Even, people prefer playing with their dogs or walking with them before attending important social occasions.

Petting an Emotional Support Dog Releases Feel-Good Chemicals

How spending time with an emotional support dog makes you feel happy? Studies show that interaction with dogs can help you release oxytocin in the brain. Oxytocin, also called the “cuddle hormone”, increases feelings of relaxation while reducing stress.

Additionally, physical exercise releases endorphins, chemicals that are linked to happiness. Walking with your dog in the park or playing tug of war can make you feel good. So, daily interaction with your dog acts as a natural dose to calm anxiety.

Emotional Support Dog Fights Loneliness

Social isolation is one of the major causes of social anxiety. Patients with this condition usually feel uncomfortable and confused when spending time with strangers. Thus, they receive less social support to deal with their mental health issues.

An ESA can help you lessen feelings of loneliness while boosting mood in the short-term. In fact, recent research shows that dog owners agreed that they met new people because of their pets.

To wrap it up, getting an emotional support dog can help you fight social anxiety in many ways. They improve your physical exercise, thus helping you reduce stress and boost mood. Petting an ESA releases happy chemicals in the brain. Additionally, your dog can help you fight loneliness, one of the major triggers of social anxiety.

To live with your ESA in a rented apartment legally under the FHA, you require an emotional support animal letter. At My ESA Doctor, you can get it in just 10 minutes. Simply fill a form and see one of our licensed therapists via video call. We will send your ESA letter via email in PDF format. Check our website for more information.

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