Any animal lover will say that their furry friends bring a lot of joy into their lives, and countless studies have linked animal ownership with reduced stress levels, more positive moods and mindsets, and even a longer life expectancy, too.

It’s no surprise, then, that recent years have seen the rise of emotional support animals, able to provide companionship, support, and assistance to many people suffering from a range of mental health issues or other disorders.

Despite the fact that emotional support animals (ESAs) are seeing a real surge in popularity at the moment, the concept of using animals for therapy and support goes back many years, to the days of philosophy and psychology experts of the past, including Dr. Sigmund Freud.

Still, even with decades of research and countless cases of people benefiting from their ESA, there’s still a lot of confusion out there about what kinds of benefits an ESA can provide. Read on to find out more…

Helping With Fears Of Flying

Once an emotional support animal has been registered, it can come along on flights with you, helping to massively reduce stress and fear levels in those who have phobias of flying or worries about being in a confined space for an extended period of time. For some people, an ESA can be the difference-maker between flying and not being able to travel at all, allowing them to visit friends and family or make urgent trips when needed.

An Answer To Loneliness

Loneliness is a common symptom of various mental health issues, including depression, as well as sometimes being an issue for people who might feel different or left out, such as those on the autism spectrum. An ESA can massively help with this, providing non-stop love and companionship and ensuring that its owner never feels entirely alone. Developing a loving bond with an animal can also help people nurture stronger bonds with other humans too.

Dealing With Depression

One of the main reasons why someone might be prescribed or recommended an emotional support animal is because they’re suffering from feelings of depression or anxiety. An ESA can assist with depression by providing love and companionship, and this has been proven on a scientific level, with studies showing that pet interaction can lead to the production of positive chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, relieving depressing feelings and lifting one’s mood.

Dealing With Difficult Emotions

There are some mental health conditions that may lead to people experiencing severe or extreme emotions in short spans of time, such as unexpected bursts of panic, fear, agitation, or sadness. Having an emotional support animal can help out during these difficult moments, providing some peace and companionship, and since animals like cats and dogs tend to be relatively peaceful or content most of the time, without such severe emotional changes, it can be easier to relax around them.

Mood Management

Another big part of having an emotional support animal around is being able to keep your mood swings in check and feel more balanced and settled in day to day life. Lots of research has shown that the presence of a furry friend can help people cope with stress and anxiety, as well as feeling more positive and content in their day to day lives. Having a registered ESA can, therefore, have a real impact on how you feel in general.

Physical Activity

Another often overlooked benefit of emotional support animal ownership is the fact that they can encourage people to engage in more exercise and lead more physically active lifestyles. Playing with a cat or walking a dog is a profitable way to spend free time, not only helping you feel happier and distracting from negative emotions but also engaging your muscles and getting your body moving, which can also lead to plenty of positive effects for mental health patients.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear to see that owning an emotional support animal can come with some impressive, tangible benefits that really can make a verifiable difference in the lives of people who need these kinds of companions. What’s more, this list is far from exhaustive.

There are many other benefits that come along with owning an ESA that haven’t been listed here, and there are countless examples of these animals proving that they can bring peace, love, and happiness into the lives of those they meet, changing the world for the better and helping patients with a range of problems lead better lives.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, some are large. Some breeds of dog come in a variety of categories and sub-breeds, such as the Terrier, which is a very popular breed of dog that many people around the world have as their pet. They are very sociable dogs and very playful, which is what makes them so attractive to have as the family pet. Their mischievous energy and behavior are one of their characteristics, along with the fact that they are very easy to train.

But did you know that there are actually a number of different breeds of Terrier. The name itself comes from the latin word “terra” which means ground or earth. This is because they were originally bred to go out and hunt for things such as rats, foxes and moles. Today they don’t go out hunting as much, and instead are more likely to hunt out a dog biscuit or treat from their owners hand, than they are to go running around fields looking for prey.

Some of the breeds of Terrier are well known, with two of the most popular being the Yorkshire Terrier and the Irish Terrier. You can find some excellent resources online that explain all the different breeds and you can easily find a Wheaten Terrier or Patterdale Terrier guide by doing a quick search on the net. Below we will take a quick look at some of the more well known breeds of terrier…

Yorkshire Terrier

This is the most famous of the Terrier breed and is one of the most popular family pets. This dog is small in size, usually reaching a height of between 6-8 inches, with a silky soft coat. They are very energetic and are great fun for kids, who can spend hours playing outside with them. They are fearless little animals, and can actually make great watch dogs, despite their small size.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Another of the more popular terriers is the Jack Russell. They are great pets but do require commitment and maintenance, so make sure you are going to put in the proper effort to look after it if you are planning on getting one. They are very energetic dogs and need activity and walks. If you live in a small apartment, they are probably not the best choice of dog for you.

Irish Terrier

This dog is larger than the Yorkshire and Jack Russell Terriers, and is described as being a medium-sized dog. They are very attractive dogs and are one of the oldest breeds of terrier. They are very loyal and enjoy being around people, and are very adaptive, meaning that they are perfect as a pet regardless of whether you live in the city or the countryside.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier, or the Welshie as it is also known, is another of the oldest types of Terrier breed, and is a very friendly and playful dog, perfect as a family pet. They are an active dog so will need regular walks and activity each day. Their enthusiastic nature makes them a joy to be around.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is the tallest of all the breeds of terriers, with an average height of around 22 inches, and are often referred to as the King of Terriers. Their strong muscular body is covered in thick fur, and they are very handsome animals. Having an Airedale Terrier as a pet will take a lot of dedication and work. Their size is obviously one issue, and with their independent temperament, they can sometimes be a bit more than people were expecting.

Airedale Terrier

Terriers make great pets. They are fun, friendly and loyal. Some can be a little naughty and mischievous at times, but that is all part of their unique character. Some of the larger breeds will need more work and commitment, but if you are able to, and have space such as a backyard in your home, then they are perfect choices.

Terriers love being outside and running around, as it’s part of their nature. Their outer coats protect them from the elements, and they are perfectly happy being outside and running around in all types of weather, rain or shine.

There are of course a few things that can make them difficult for some people to keep as a family pet. One of the main things that people take issue with is their loud barking. You’ll sometimes wonder how something so small can make such a loud noise. Another thing is that they love being active, and frequent walks each day are necessary. They are fearless animals, and you might see that at times. They can be quite aggressive towards other dogs.

Whether you do choose to have a Terrier as a pet or not is up to you. But they are an amazing breed of dog and have so many great qualities.

Pugs are a breed of dogs with dark eyes, a wrinkled face, and a small body stature. The name “pug” comes from a Latin word meaning “fist,” as their faces are said to resemble a human fist. They weigh no more than 20 pounds, are playful in nature, and love being the center of attraction. If they don’t get the attention craved for, they tend to get upset. Apart from having a charming and joyous personality, Pugs can at times be willful too, which makes them difficult to train.

Pugs love human interaction and will follow you around your house quite often. For a small stature like theirs, they shed their body hair very fast and in a huge amount. Pugs are known to be indoor dogs as they are sensitive to extreme weather conditions. They get sick if exposed to extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold. This article focusses on answering the question, “Can Pugs swim?” We asked Discount Pet Supplies for the answer.

Can Pugs Swim?

Generally, people think that dogs of any breed can swim with their natural instinct. However, it is not true. Some breeds do need to be trained for swimming and Pugs happen to be one of them. Pugs are a breed of dogs who naturally do not know how to swim. Now if pugs can’t swim, there are valid reasons behind it. It is important to realize that if a pug is put into water, naturally it will start paddling its feet. Paddling of feet is a natural reflex action but that does not mean they are capable of swimming.

Pugs have a broad and short skull, which means they belong to the brachycephalic breed. Now this feature is responsible for their adorable appearance but it is also the reason that pugs have fair chances of drowning when left to swim. To cope with this, Pugs try to keep their heads up while swimming to be able to breathe, but when doing so, their bodies are in a downward position and thus, it might lead to drowning. Their long body and short legs don’t help their case either. More so because Pugs are considered to be lap dogs in the first instance: you can’t expect swimmers out of them, but sleepers for sure!

Also, Pugs are food-loving creatures and are prone to obesity. This makes them a lot heavier than other breeds of their size. And because of their obesity, it gets difficult for them to stay afloat. More so, due to their short noses/snouts, breathing gets difficult for them with increased physical activity. Thus, it requires a lot of training and exercise for a Pug if you want them to swim.

However, don’t be surprised if your Pug shows a fondness for water. They might not be natural swimmers but they enjoy the water. Here, just consider that every Pug has a unique personality. If you want your Pug to swim, the first step should be familiarizing them with water, make them like it. Letting them into a heated pool, or putting them into the shallower end of a pool would be helpful.

More so, you can hire a trainer for your Pug so that they can get professional swim training. You could also bring a lifesaver jacket for your Pug so that every time you go out on the beach you will be assured that your pet won’t be any danger. Also, it is recommended to teach them swimming in a pool or enclosed space with water first so that they can get familiar with techniques such as keeping themselves afloat, getting to the edge, coming out of the pool, etc.

Never leave them unsupervised while at a swim because they have emotions too, and it is natural for them to be scared and anxious. During such times, they will find comfort if their owners are near them. Another important thing you should look for is that your Pug does not get exhausted. Since they are not naturally inclined to swimming or doing such rigorous physical activity, they might show earlier signs of exhaustion. Pay attention to those and take care of your pet. Also, as they are likely to suffer breathing issues because of their short snout, it will be in their best interest if they are trained to regulate their breathing skills first.

Other factors include having a safe pool for your Pug to swim in. A safe pool means having a pool cover, low chemical content, and a pool fence. Pool covers keep out debris from the water and can also keep your puppy safe. Having a lower chemical content will reduce any chances of the skin irritations or ear infections of your Pug, as they can be sensitive to chemicals like chlorine. Moreover, fencing a pool is a smart way to prevent your dog from jumping into the pool accidentally or intentionally, further ensuring their safety.

Conclusion

Pugs are cute creatures who are bound to spread happiness. If trained properly and with care, they can be social as well. Though swimming is not a natural skill for them, it can be acquired with training.

Teaching them to swim with the correct resources and affection can make them great swimmers eventually. This article thus answered the question of whether or not Pugs can swim well and even offered you with tactics to help them swim. Some people might argue that if you put a Pug (or any dog for the matter) in a pool, it will start kicking its feet and trying to get ashore. But that is just a reflex action and later may have adverse consequences such as fear of water and even aggressive behavior.

We need to be understanding of our dogs as much as they are towards us. Being kind to them is what will help your relationship with them prosper.

Our pets are just as much as part of the family as our actual human family, and dogs are often our best friends. They’re always there for us with sloppy kisses and wagging tails, and that’s why we love them. If you’re looking for a way to acknowledge the special place in your heart your dog (or dogs!) have, then what could be better than having a commissioned portrait of your dog lovingly hand painted as a forever keepsake?

A dog portrait can be a wonderful way to memorialize just how important they are to you. Maybe your furry friend recently passed, maybe you know their days are running down, or maybe you just want to cherish the dog you have with you right now. No matter what your reason is for wanting to show how much your dog means to you, dog portraits are the perfect way to keep them close.

Why get a dog portrait?

There are many ways to remember your dog, but none quite as personal or unique as a commissioned dog painting of your pooch. Photographs are great for capturing special moments or memories and other items may hold sentimental value too, but a portrait of your dog brings their character and essence into a room.

Photographs can get damaged or easily lost. After a few years, the quality of the photo will diminish and there’s a chance you might lose those precious memories. You can get around this by creating digital backups of your photos, but then the memories are stored out of sight and out of mind.

A dog portrait, by contrast, is a more durable and permanent way of keeping your dog with you. Best of all, you can hang it wherever you like as a constant reminder of your treasured pet.

How can I get a portrait of my dog?

By far the easiest way to get a portrait of your dog would be to provide an artist with a series of photographs so that they can get a real feel for the personality and character of your dog. This also means that you won’t have to travel or have a stranger come into your home, and there are no issues with trying to keep your furry friend well behaved or sitting still!

Usually with commissioned dog portraits, the artist will provide you with sketches so you know roughly what the end portrait will look like. Even better is if your artist communicates with you throughout the whole project, and lets you see how your portrait is progressing. This not only lets you see how the artist has chosen to portray your dog, but also allows you to make suggestions or ask for certain things to be changed. After all, its your dog and your vision, so you should control how the portrait looks.

Who can paint my dog portrait?

Technically, any painter or artist could paint a dog portrait for you, but in reality, you’ll probably better off finding a portrait artist who specialises in painting pets. It’s a good idea if you can view previously commissioned artwork to make sure you’re happy with the quality and style of their work.

If you’ve got your heart set on having a portrait of your dog, then Wonderstreet has a wide selection of talented dog portrait artists on their site. Most of their artists have an online portfolio of work that you can browse through. Doing a bit of legwork here will pay dividends in the end, as you’ll get a real feel for an artist’s painting style and be confident that it fits with your taste and expectations.

Which Style?

If you’re struggling to choose a medium for your dog portrait, you’re not alone! We’ve broken down the main styles available to you as a guide:

Oil

Renowned for the superior quality, oil paintings are a traditional choice that deliver a beautifully smooth and elegant finish to your dog portrait.

Acrylic

Acrylics are the perfect choice if you prefer bright colours and a certain level of playfulness to your portrait. Usually less photographic in style, these are also cheaper than oil paintings while still being of superior quality.

Pastel

For a more delicate, softer feel to your dog portrait, you might want to consider pastels. Pastels also offer a more textured look and feel, which is very popular when it comes to doggy portraits.

Pencil

Whether graphite or coloured pencil portraits, this is a striking medium that can capture every hair and nuance that is so unique to your dog.

Which artist?

We’d always recommend that you find dog-loving artists who specialise in producing dog portraits. There’s something about a fellow dog lover: they just get it. They understand the relationship you have or had with your pet, and they know how important getting a dog portrait is to you. Most importantly, they know how to create fabulous dog paintings.

Wonderstreet’s process is clear and makes sure that you’re in control at every stage.

1. Take photos of your dog (or dogs) that will form the basis of your portrait. Don’t worry too much if you’re not happy with all of them, you can always send over more while the portrait is being painted.

2. Browse and select any of the dog portraits that you like so you can discover the artists who painted them. Remember to look at things like materials used (especially if you have a preference).

3. Choose your artist and get in touch with them directly through the site.

4. Once you’ve agreed to go ahead, you can send the artist your photos and work can begin on your dog portrait.

5. Stay in touch with your artist throughout the process, making changes as necessary.

6. Get your finished dog portrait in as little as 10 working days.

For complete peace of mind and satisfaction guaranteed, Wonderstreet’s artists allow you unlimited free revisions so that you’re 100% happy with the proposed piece. They also offer a money back guarantee if you’re not completely smitten with your dog portrait.

Life is always more fun when pets are involved. They bring the family together, they make us exercise even when we don’t want to, and they cuddle you anytime… anywhere. The last thing we want is to see our furry friend being anything less than his usual, bouncing, bubbly self, and when they’re feeling poorly we will do whatever it takes to make them well again.

Having seen many success stories online and having read blog upon blog, I suggested to my friend to try CBD oil for her pet for the upcoming New Year’s festivities we had planned. People have been adding CBD into their canine’s meal plan, slowly at first, and then it became the norm in their nutrition plan.

CBD or cannabidiol is gaining traction among dog lovers with increasing clinical research. The Weedclub website says that CBD for your dog or cat is one of the ways to make your pet happier. It offers many health benefits including, pain, insomnia, and anxiety, just to name a few.

CBD oil has many benefits when it comes to the health and all-round well-being of your dog, some of which we will chat about today. You can read more about it, get in-depth information, and have any questions answered when you view this page. So grab a cup of tea and get cozy on the couch.

5 CBD Treats for Your Dog

Vegetable chews. Having a softer texture than a biscuit, but not soggy so that it just melts away, chews are a unique experience for your pet. The texture makes their taste buds stand at attention and the wheels begin turning in their head trying to figure out what the new sensation is.

Bacon strips. This is something my friend claims she invented for her dog. How true that is I’m not sure, but nevertheless he loves these snacks and jumps around like a crazy bean when they are brought out. She bakes the strips till they’re crisp, like you see in a commercial for bacon, and she drops the oil on the bacon to soak in while it’s still hot.

Hot meal. The usual stew made up for your pup is the easiest and fuss-free method of getting CBD into your dog. Simply stir into the ready meal just before you serve.

Biscuits. Someone is always making an organic version of a biscuit made with raw and natural ingredients, and by adding a few drops of CBD oil into the mix, besides tasting great, it sneakily regulates your dog’s bodily functions. Try this basic recipe https://myedibleschef.com/recipes/easy-homemade-cbd-dog-treats/ to get you started.

Ice. On a hot day, we all like a bit of ice cream to cool us down, and dogs are no different. I’m not saying go out and buy him a Flake 99, but freeze diluted sugar-free fruit juice combined with CBD oil in an ice cube tray, and he’ll be a happy chappy sitting and licking for a couple of minutes.

History of CBD

Early studies and research show that during ancient times a Chinese Emperor was thought to use cannabis that was infused into his tea to help him manage his gout and malaria. And again during the reign of Queen Victoria, who used the oil to help alleviate the discomfort of her menstrual cramps.

If you’re like me and thought that CBD and its arrival on the scene was new you’d be mistaken. Rediscovered by accident by a chemist in the late 1940’s, this extract soon took on a new role in the medical world and became what we know today as a natural alternative to chemical-based pharmaceuticals.

As more tests were conducted and ailments were being discovered to be treated or significantly diminished in severity, it soon became the sought after herb oil for people who had tried everything else on the market.

This interesting read on the Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis and its uses gives you a look into how this simple plant has evolved, not only for human consumption, but treating illness in a less invasive and harmful manner.

While this product may not be for everyone, but if the success stories are anything to go by and the results speak for themselves, what harm will you do in experimenting on giving it to your dog to help him live a longer life?

It may work or it may not, but if the prescribed medicines aren’t providing much assistance, I say go for it. The more years of our furry friends hanging around the better.