As you probably know, dogs are very sensitive beings. They have an excellent sense of the moods of their people.
And, in some cases, can even help «smile away» a sadness. No wonder then that it Therapy dogs for depression gives.
What it’s all about? Find out in the guide below.
In a nutshell: How can I get a therapy dog for depression?
Therapy dogs have been used for a variety of medical conditions for many years. If a psychiatrist has diagnosed depression that is classified as a disability, a appropriate assistance dog for the mentally ill be requested.
How can a therapy dog help with depression?
As mentioned at the beginning, dogs are very sensitive. You also have a very good nose. Why are we saying this? Because they actually to sniff out emotions. For example, anxiety and fear, but also joy.
Are you now suffering from depression – and that is really nothing to be ashamed of! – a depression therapy dog can help you to master your everyday life again.
But how does he do that? The The help he provides is virtually unlimited. Here are just a few of the things dogs can and do every day for all of us:
- They prevent you from feeling lonely and alone
- They are very good listeners and completely impartial
- They are extremely sensitive to moods and emotions
- They give your life meaning, a reason to get up in the morning
- They give you security and security, give warmth and closeness
- They don’t care how young or old, how confident or shy you are
- They support you in the development of cognitive and social skills
- They make sure that you come to the door – because dogs like to go for a walk
This list could now be continued indefinitely. But we think you know where your dog’s help is headed.
And: He gives this and his canine love without expecting anything. Because he knows: he can be sure of your love and care.
Good to know:
As a rule, psychiatrists and psychologists have a “depression catalogue”. In other words, a scale that shows certain symptoms that indicate depression.
In order to apply for an assistance dog, a specialist confirms clinical depression.
This does not automatically count if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, for example.
But if they prevent you from going outside, so be it Massively restrict your everyday lifea therapy dog may be assigned.
This usually works through non-profit organizations or foundations.
Which breeds are suitable as therapy dogs for depression?
Suitable therapy dogs for depression include these breeds: The Golden retriever, the Labrador Retrieversthe Maltesethe German sheepdog and the poodle.
As an assistance dog for depression – in some cases too, by the way Emotional Support Dog called – initially all breeds that fall into the category of companion dogs are suitable.
Because one of their most important characteristics is that they nothing can faze you that easily.
So you have a very strong nervous system. And this is very important in order to be able to support you in the best possible way when dealing with your own emotions.
How and where can I apply for a therapy dog?
First, it must be determined by a doctor that you qualify for a therapy dog.
Especially when it comes to mental stress no German authority really flexible – as terrible as that sounds and is.
So, most health insurance companies want one certificate is availablewhich confirms that you have a physical disability.
This is the case, among other things, if you are under the so-called PTSD are suffering from – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Among other things, this restricts your mobility – because, for example, you no longer dare to go outside.
You can apply for an assistance dog at www.assistenzhunde-deutschland.de. You will also find other important information here.
Good to know:
PTSD dogs are not referred to as therapy dogs. They are considered assistance dogs that help their people to cope with panic attacks, among other things.
How much does a trained therapy dog cost?
Of course, a trained therapy dog also costs money – and depending on the assistance to be provided, that is quite a chunk. In addition, not all diseases are considered disabilities.
This also includes mild forms of depression, such as the aforementioned panic and anxiety attacks.
Fully trained assistance dogs
The costs that come to you here are for one fully trained dog at around €25,000 – a sum that hardly any of us “conjures up out of a hat”.
Train your dog to be a therapy dog
The situation is different if you decide to give your dog train yourself to be an assistance dog.
Of course you have already paid for the purchase etc. here. However, these are significantly lower than those mentioned above.
Since you are here with your dog several courses had to complete, these costs are incurred. These are usually included €1,500 to €2,000 measured.
Does health insurance cover the cost of a therapy dog for depression?
If you would like to have a dog as an emotional support dog or assistance dog for depression, the answer is: No.
Therapy dogs are only covered by health insurance if they are guide dogs, for example.
The reason: in dogs that are in the Visual impairment as assistance dogs are used, there is a uniform training regulation. All other therapy dogs do not have this. Ergo, costs are not borne.
Good to know:
Even if that in itself is not nice knowledge. are in Germany only assistance dogs with visual impairments are accepted. All other diseases exclude a legal right to an assistance or therapy dog.
Can I train my dog to be a therapy dog myself?
in itself functions already every fur nose in one way or another as a therapy dog for their human. After all, none of us is always in a good mood.
Each of us has to carry our own personal baggage, which sometimes pushes the mood towards absolute freezing point.
Even the seemingly most insensitive dog notices this and tries to cheer up its owner. In a way, that’s in the nature of things.
You yourself can, for example, Training puppies to be therapy or assistance dogs. If you also want to have him officially registered as a therapy dog, he has to be at least 1 year old.
In addition, he must certification exam consist. This includes, among other things, a behavior test.
Does your dog bark a lot? Is he shy or aggressive? These things shouldn’t happen in a therapy dog.
Did your fur nose pass the test and that CGC certificate received, nothing stands in the way of your exciting career as an assistance dog.
Good to know:
The exams will be held, among other things, by German professional association for therapy and disability assistance dogs eV, Therapy Dogs Germany eV or Therapy companion dogs Germany eV offered.
Conclusion
As you now know, there are service dogs for depression. However, these are not really officially listed as such, respectively are not considered classic therapy dogs.
Only dogs that are used for people with visual impairments are considered therapy dogs, which are covered by most health insurance companies.
Nevertheless, you can make the decision yourself to train your dog to become an Emotional Support Dog. Among other things, this is associated with lower costs.
What is your experience with this topic?
Have you already applied for a therapy dog yourself or even trained your dog to become an assistance dog?
We look forward to your experiences in the comments.