What You Need to Know Before Getting a Service Dog?

Service Dog

Technology is advancing on an everyday basis; the advancements have greatly aided in transforming people’s lives. But this cannot be the same for people living with disabilities, because there are many hard situations that they encounter. Some of those situations might be impossible for them to overcome and live a healthy life like the rest. Luckily enough, animal training techniques have made it easy for people with disabilities to get the services that they need with their service dog. The typical example of a service animal is a dog, as it is obedient, intelligent, and has a secure connection to human beings. Therefore if you have a disability, you opt to get a service to assist you in a range of tasks. 

However, not all disabilities qualify for a service dog, so ensure that you do some research on the eligible disabilities for a service dog. 

Physical disabilities that qualify for a service dog

Any physiological impairment anatomic loss or cosmetic disfigurement that affects sense, reproductive, digestive, cardiovascular organs qualify for a service dog.

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The impairments include;

  • Spinal cord injury
  • Chronic pain
  • Stroke
  • Vertigo
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Autism
  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies
  • Seizures
  • Arthritis

Service DogHow a service dog can help people with Sensory disabilities

Service dogs can help people with sensory disabilities, whether the individual is blind or deaf. The dogs help these people by guiding them as they navigate through the streets or when they walk around their compound. They can also alert the individuals when an alarm clock is going off, or when sirens are sounding. 

People with impaired visions usually lose their sense of independence and security, but a service dog can improve their safety and quality of life. 

How service dogs can help people with mobility issues

After an injury to a person’s spinal cord, even the simplest tasks become hard to accomplish. Therefore, bringing a mobility assistance dog into your life can play an integral part in the survival of the injury. These dogs get specific training to enable the help of individuals.

The dogs can help push up a wheelchair, open and close doors, and put lights on or off, among others. 

Mental disorders eligible for a service dog

  • Anxiety
  • Mood disorders
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Eating disorder
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder 

How a service dog can help people with mental disorders

Service dogs can be helpful to their owners in various ways, depending on the nature of their complications. They can help and support the disabled in several ways; for instance, they can discuss and distract the owner from mood swings, depression, and self-harm. 

They do so by instigating a play by either bringing a ball to them. Some of these dogs can also provide pressure therapy. That is by lying on the handler’s chest to cool them in the event of a panic attack. 

The dogs can person the task of reminding the handlers of the prescribed medication time. 

For one to qualify for a service dog, their disability should fall under the eligible disabilities. But falling under this category is not a guarantee as there are other protocols to follow. They include proving the necessary documents from medical professionals with evidence that your disability deserves the services.

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Read next: 7 Perfect Breeds for People Over 50

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What You Need to Know Before Getting a Service Dog?
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