Brochure Text Information

SectionInformation on Depression:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
What Is Depression?
Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad. But these feelings are usually short-lived
and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, it interferes with daily
life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a
common but serious illness.
Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the majority, even
those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Medications,
psychotherapies, and other methods can effectively treat people with depression.
There are several forms of depressive disorders.
Major depression,severe symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep,
study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a persons lifetime, but
more often, a person has several episodes.
Persistent depressive disorderdepressed mood that lasts for at least 2 years. A
person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major
depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for
2 years.
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique
circumstances. They include:
1.

Psychotic depression, which occurs when a person has severe depression plus
some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break
with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others
cannot hear or see (hallucinations).
2. Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the "baby blues"
that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical
changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be
overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience
postpartum depression after giving birth.
3. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of
depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The
depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively
treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better
with light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can
reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major
depression or persistent depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by

cycling mood changesfrom extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g.,
depression).

Signs & Symptoms

"It was really hard to get out of bed in the morning. I just wanted to hide under the
covers and not talk to anyone. I didn't feel much like eating and I lost a lot of
weight. Nothing seemed fun anymore. I was tired all the time, and I wasn't sleeping
well at night. But I knew I had to keep going because I've got kids and a job. It just
felt so impossible, like nothing was going to change or get better."
People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The
severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual
and his or her particular illness.
Signs and symptoms include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Overeating, or appetite loss
Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease
even with treatment.
Who Is At Risk?
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United
States. Each year about 6.7% of U.S adults experience major depressive disorder.
Women are 70 % more likely than men to experience depression during their
lifetime. Non-Hispanic blacks are 40% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to
experience depression during their lifetime. The average age of onset is 32 years
old. Additionally, 3.3% of 13 to 18 year olds have experienced a seriously
debilitating depressive disorder.

SectionHow Dogs Help:

http://dogsfordepression.org.uk/how-dogs-help-us.html
How Dogs Help Depression

How Dogs Help Symptoms of Depression

Dogs can help symptoms of depression because they are pack animals and
instinctively form close bonds with other members of their "pack" or family. By their
very nature, they will help provide emotional support to other members of their
pack by being loyal and affectionate companions.
Physical Touch
1.

The sheer presence of a dog is calming - you're instinctively drawn to stroke

or pet them. This can be especially helpful for people suffering from anxiety
disorders or panic attacks

2.

The sense of Touch is hugely beneficial psychologically - the act of stroking

your pet can be soothing, and so improve your mood if you are down or
depressed. It can also lower your blood pressure and stress levels.

3.
Affection and Self Esteem
1.

Pets are uncomplicated - they don't have their own agendas and they love
you unconditionally

2.

Caring for another living being and receiving affection in return is great for
anyone's self-esteem - especially if you are lonely, bereaved or depressed.

Reducing Isolation and loneliness

1.

Dogs are a talking point and "social lubricant"- small as it may seem a simple
exchange of pleasantries between dog owners in the park can be hugely
helpful if you are feeling isolated, depressed or anxious. They also tend to be
a good supply of silly stories to help break the ice

2.

Dog-related activities can form the beginnings of new hobbies, friendships.

Activities vary from basic obedience to flyball or dog agility classes.

Taking Responsibility
1.

In rescuing a support dog you are taking on responsibility for the care and
wellbeing of another living being, even if it has four paws instead of two legs!
Hugely rewarding though it may be, its also a big responsibility and not a

small undertaking to be cast aside or left behind lightly. When you are feeling
rock bottom your responsibility as guardian to the dog you rescued can be a
lifeline.
Relationship Building
1.

In rescuing a dog, you are effectively acquiring a new member of your family
or pack, which, like any relationship, will grow with trust, respect, loving
bonds but also bring its share of relationshp tension and challenges to be
worked through, much like a relationship with a human family member might
do.

Managing Thoughts and Feelings

1.

Dogs don't understand our verbal conversation, they read us at a much more
fundamental level of energy and emotional state - you can't lie to a dog !
They instictively know when you are projective negative energy because you
are feeling down, upset and respond.

2.

Dog's behave best when they are exposed to positive calm assertive energy,
if you are stressed, tense, anxious, frustrated, or upset, your dog will be less
responsive to your commands and more likely to, say, pull on the lead or not
return when you call. To be a successful calm assertive pack leader for your
dog, you first need to be self aware of your own emotions and state of mind
and how affects your dog.

3.

When you achieve a calm, assertive, confident state of mind, your dog wiill
perform at his best and be your perfect companion. Over time acquiring the
skill of being a calm assertive pack leader will help you manage your mind,
emotions and stress levels more effectively, enabling you to cope better with
life's difficulties and stay positive more often.

Exercise and Routine

1.

Dogs get you out of the house - fresh air, physical exercise and a change of
scene are proven to help boost people's mood and ease depression
symptoms

2.

Caring for a dog helps form a daily routine and structure that can help keep
you going, one foot after the other. No matter how depressed you are, your
dog still needs feeding and walking!

Laughter
1.

Last but far from least - they really can make you laugh in spite of your
depression when they inevitably do very silly, daft things

SectionWhat Are The Best Breeds

Top7DogBreedsforPeopleFightingDepression
1.CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel
Pros:Veryaffectionate,portable,easytotrain,andgreatforapartments
Cons:Theyneedtobegroomedandtheyrepronetoheartissues.
ShortVideoonCavaliers: http://youtu.be/rd5dR7YR2ig
Photoby SinaEttmer
2.Pug
Pros:Funnypersonality,portable,highlyadaptable,andverypositivetemperament
Cons:Shedding,notgoodinheat,andpotentialbreathingissues
ShortVideoonPugs: http://youtu.be/8Kkrmubsgf8
PhotobySwethaManne
3.StaffordshireBullTerrier
Pros:Energetic,playful,goodwithchildren,andlowmaintenance
Cons:Theirstereotype
ShortVideoonStaffordshireBullTerrier: http://youtu.be/8Jh2_2z92mw
Photoby ArturasKerdokas
4.GoldenRetriever
Pros:Loving,athletic,easytotrain,lovetoswim
Cons:Shedding,havebeenknowntonip,needtobegroomed,notgreatforapartments
ShortVideoonGoldenRetriever: http://youtu.be/kI4EbABtJQ0
Photoby AlexanderZachen
5.Poodle
Pros:Adaptable,longlifespan,naturalperformer,greatfamilydog
Cons:Professionalgrooming,pronetobloat
ShortVideoonPoodles: http://youtu.be/74mx2OWM6mE

Photoby ByronEllis
6.LabradorRetriever
Pros:Loyal,easytotrain,andactive
Cons:Potentialhipandjointproblems,needsspace
ShortVideoonLabradorRetrievers: http://youtu.be/0cj81wHmfXc
Photoby AlexGreenshpun
7.Vizsla
Pros:Extremelyhealthy,athletic,veryclean,loving
Cons:Needsspace,notgreatwithsmallchildren,
ShortVideoonVizsla: http://youtu.be/U3ULwqhiBSE
Photoby TomKopen
Seemoreat:http://thedailypositive.com/top7dogbreedspeoplefighting
depression/#sthash.yeQkY3yn.dpuf

SectionThe Health Benefits of a Dog

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/the-health-benefits-ofpets.htm
How do dogs improve mood and health?
More than any other animal, dogs have evolved to become acutely attuned to
humans and our behavior and emotions. While dogs are able to understand many of
the words we use, theyre even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body
language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into
your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what youre thinking
and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of
course).
While most dog owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing
their lives with canine companions, many remain unaware of the physical and
mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or
snuggling up to a furry friend. Its only recently that studies have begun to
scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. The American Heart
Association has linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk
for heart disease and greater longevity.
Studies have also found that:

Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those
without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline
hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined
significantly within five months.

Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which
calm and relax.

Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart
disease) than those without pets.

Heart attack patients with dogs survive longer than those without.

Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than
those without pets.
One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that dogs (and cats) fulfill the
basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown longterm changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them
experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise
touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when were stressed or
anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a
great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and
ease depression.
How can dogs help you make healthy lifestyle changes?
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes plays an important role in easing symptoms of
depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Caring for a dog can help
you make healthy lifestyle changes by:
Increasing exercise. Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and
rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule. Studies have
shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise
requirementsand exercising every day is great for the animal as well. It will
deepen the connection between you, eradicate most behavior problems in
dogs, and keep your pet fit and healthy.
Providing companionship. Companionship can help prevent illness and
even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger
symptoms of depression. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel
needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially
if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets, some even use
them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness like
coming home to a wagging tail and wet kisses.
Helping you meet new people. Dogs can be a great social lubricant for
their owners, helping you start and maintain new friendships. Dog owners
frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park. Dog
owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.
Reducing anxiety. The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease
anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the
world. Because dogs live in the momentthey dont worry about what

happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrowthey can help you

become more mindful and appreciate the joy of the present.
Adding structure and routine to your day. Dogs require a regular feeding
and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps a dog balanced and
calmand it can work for you, too. No matter your mooddepressed,
anxious, or stressedone plaintive look from your dog and youll have to get
out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for your pet.
Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy
ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking a dog lowers blood pressure and
can help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed.
Get a dog, lose weight
Numerous studies have linked dog ownership to weight loss:

One year-long study found that walking an overweight dog helped both the
animals and their owners lose weight. Researchers found that the dogs
provided support in similar ways to a human exercise buddy, but with greater
consistency and without any negative influence.

Public housing residents who walked therapy dogs for up to 20 minutes five
days a week lost an average of 14.4 pounds in a year, without changing their
diets.

A third study found that people who got a dog walked 30 minutes more a
week than they did before.
Source: Harvard Health Publications
Dogs and the health benefits for older adults
As well as providing vital companionship, owning a dog can play an important role
in healthy aging by:
Helping you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, youll lose things
that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. You may
retire from your career or your children may move far away. Caring for a dog
can bring pleasure and help boost your morale, optimism, and sense of selfworth. Choosing to adopt a dog from a shelter, especially an older dog, can
add to the sense of fulfillment, knowing that youve provided a home to a pet
that may otherwise have been euthanized.
Staying connected. Maintaining a social network isnt always easy as you
grow older. Retirement, illness, death, and relocation can take away close
friends and family members. And making new friends can get harder. Dogs
are a great way for older adults to spark up conversations and meet new
people.
Boosting vitality. You can overcome many of the physical challenges
associated with aging by taking good care of yourself. Dogs, and to a lesser
degree cats, encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which can help
boost your immune system and increase your energy.
Dogs and adults with Alzheimers disease or dementia

As part of the disease, Alzheimers patients may exhibit a variety of behavioral

problems, many related to an inability to deal with stress.

Research at the University of California at Davis concluded that Alzheimer's

patients suffer less stress and have fewer anxious outbursts if there is a dog
or cat in the home.

Dogs can provide a source of positive, nonverbal communication. The playful

interaction and gentle touch from a well-trained, docile dog can help soothe
an Alzheimers patient and decrease aggressive behavior.

In many cases a patients problem behavior is a reaction to the stressed

response of the primary caretaker. Pets can help ease the stress of
caregivers.
For older adults interested in adopting a senior dog or cat, there are programs
available that can subsidize pet adoption fees and the animals medical care. See
Resources section below.
Dogs and the health benefits for children
Not only do children who grow up with pets have less risk of allergies and asthma,
many also learn responsibility, compassion, and empathy from having a dog or cat.

Unlike parents or teachers, pets are never critical and dont give orders. They
are always loving and their mere presence at home can help provide a sense
of security in children. Having an ever-present dog can help ease separation
anxiety in children when mom and dad arent around.

Having the love and companionship of a loyal dog can make a child feel
important and help him or her develop a positive self-image.

Kids who are emotionally attached to their dog are better able to build
relationships with other people.

Studies have also shown that dogs can help calm hyperactive or overly
aggressive kids. Of course, both the dog and the child need to be trained to
behave appropriately with each other.
Children and adults alike can benefit from playing with dogs, which can be both a
source of calmness and relaxation, as well as a source of stimulation for the brain
and body. Playing with a dog can even be a doorway to learning for a child. It can
stimulate a childs imagination and curiosity. The rewards of training a dog to
perform a new trick, for example, can teach kids the importance of perseverance.
Caring for a furry friend can also offer another benefit to a child: immense joy.
Children with learning disorders and other challenges
Some children with autism or other learning difficulties are better able to interact
with pets than people. Autistic children often rely on nonverbal cues to
communicate, just as dogs do. And learning to first connect with a dog may even
help an autistic child in his or her interactions with people.

Pets can help children with learning disabilities learn how to regulate stress
and calm themselves, making them better equipped to overcome the
challenges of their disorder.

Playing and exercising with a dog can help a child with learning disorders stay
alert and attentive throughout the day. It can also be a great antidote to
stress and frustration caused by the learning disability.
Owning a dog is a major commitment
A dog is not a miracle cure for mental illness. Owning a dog is beneficial and
comforting only for those who love and appreciate domestic animals and have the
time and money to keep a dog happy and healthy. If youre simply not a dog
person, dog ownership is not going to provide you with any health benefits or
improve your life. For some people, owning a cat requires less time and attention,
and can be just as rewarding.
Even if you love dogs, its important to understand everything that caring for a dog
entails. Owning a dog is a commitment that will last the lifetime of the animal,
perhaps 10 or 15 years. And at the end of that commitment, youll face the grief
and mourning that comes with losing a beloved companion.
Other drawbacks to owning a dog are:
Dogs require time and attention. As any dog owner will tell you, theres
nothing beneficial to your mental health about coming home to a dog whos
has been locked up in the house on his own all day long. Dogs need daily
exercise and mental stimulation to stay calm and well-balanced.
Owning a dog can curb some of your social activity. A dog can only be
left alone for a limited time. By training your dog, youll be able to take him
with you to visit friends, run errands, or sit outside a coffee shop, for
example, but you wont be able to leave for a spur of the moment weekend
away without arranging care for your pet first.
Dogs can be destructive. Any dog can have an occasional accident at
home, especially if hes sick or been left alone for too long, while some dogs
are prone to chewing shoes or destroying cushions. Training and exercise can
help eradicate negative, destructive behavior, but they remain common in
dogs left alone for long periods of time.
Dogs require responsibility. Most dogs, regardless of size and breed, are
capable of inflicting injury on people if not handled responsibly by their
owners. Dog owners need to be alert to any danger, especially around
children.
Dogs carry health risks for some people. While there are some diseases
that can be transmitted from dogs to their human handlers, allergies are the
most common health risk of dog ownership. If you or a family member has
been diagnosed with a pet allergy, carefully consider whether you can live
with the symptoms before committing to dog ownership. Also consider that

some friends or relatives with allergies may no longer be able to visit your
home if you have a dog.

SectionWhere To Go....Alternative to Dog Ownership

Where to find the perfect dog
If you have a specific breed of dog in mind, you can look for rescue group that
caters to that breed or seek out a reputable breeder. Ask for a referral from other
dog owners, a veterinarian, or local breed club or rescue group, but remember: a
reputable breeder will always want to meet you before selling a dog to ensure that
youll be a suitable, responsible owner.
Of course, you can also find purebred dogs in shelterswhere theyll cost
substantially less than from a breederas well as many different types of mixed
breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs usually have fewer health problems than their
purebred cousins, often have better dispositions, and tend to adapt more easily to a
new home. With a purebred, though, its easier to know what to expect in regards
to size, behavior and healthyoud need to know the different breeds in a mix to
determine the same of a mutt. Of course, breed or mix of breeds doesnt solely
determine the character of a dogmuch of that is down to you and the kind of
home and training you provide your pet.
Shelter and rescue dogs
Whether a mixed breed or a purebred, dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue group
make excellent pets. For the most part, a dog ends up in a shelter through no fault
of his own. His owner may have died or moved to a place that doesnt allow pets, or
he may have simply been abandoned by irresponsible owners who bought him on a
whim and later discovered they were unable or unwilling to care for him properly. If
any shelter or rescue dog exhibits aggressive behavior, he is typically euthanized
rather than offered for adoption.
Rescue groups try to find suitable homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs, many
taken from shelters where they would otherwise have been euthanized. Volunteers
usually take care of the animals until they can find a permanent home. This means
that rescuers are often very familiar with a dogs personality and can help advise
you on whether the pet would be a good match for your needs. By adopting an
animal from a shelter or rescue organization, youll not only be giving a home to a
deserving pet, but youll also likely be saving a dogs life.
Alternatives to dog ownership
If you dont have the time, money, or stamina to own a dog full-time, there are still
ways you can experience the health benefits of being around dogs. Even short
periods spent with a dog can benefit both you and the animal.

You can ask to walk a neighbors dog, for example, or volunteer at an animal
shelter. Most animal shelters or rescue groups welcome volunteers to help
care for homeless pets or assist at adoption events. Youll not only be helping
yourself but also be helping to socialize and exercise the dogs, making them
more adoptable.
Some animal shelters and rescue groups offer pet rental programs. Dogs
that are available for adoption can be rented out for walks or play dates, or
you can foster an animal temporarily until a permanent home can be found
for him, or to decide if the dog is right for you.
A variety of different organizations offer specially trained therapy dogs and
cats to visit childrens hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes,
hospice programs, shelters, and schools. During these visits people are
invited to pet and stroke the animals, which can improve mood and reduce
stress and anxiety.