4 Benefits of Service Dogs for People Who Live With Disabilities
By: Lydia Chan
Have you ever considered getting a service dog to live a fuller, more independent life as a person with a disability? Realabilities invites you to look over the information below to learn more about the benefits of having a compassionate, intelligent animal companion to help you get through your day.
Which Dogs Qualify as Service Animals?
According to Service Dog Certifications, service dogs can be of any breed. It's most common to see larger breeds such as golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles working with people with disabilities. Different breeds may present different service strengths. It's important to ensure that your service dog is properly trained, certified, and healthy.
Service dogs are typically allowed into buildings and are granted special access to enter places that pets are not. However, they are generally not trained to provide protection for the owner. There's no reason to believe that a service dog will bark or act out when it's not supposed to.
4 Benefits of Service Dogs
It's a myth that only blind people have service dogs. In reality, you can qualify for a service dog with a number of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
1. Keeping You Safe
Service dogs can help you in very real ways and can even save your life. They can help their owners get around town (especially in areas that are new and unfamiliar), detect medical episodes such as seizures and low blood sugar, and protect you from oncoming traffic.
2. Providing Companionship
Having a disability can make you feel isolated from other people and from the outside world in general. A service dog is by your side at all times — and even when it's not "working," the closeness and constant companionship will surely make you feel loved.
3. Helping You Stay Calm
If you're a dog lover, you know the effect an animal can have on your mood and outlook on life. Service dogs can function as psychiatric care companions for people struggling with neurological or mental health disorders. These dogs are trained to calm their owners during a panic attack, a bipolar episode, or a bout of severe depression.
4. Aiding Your Travels
Disabilities can get in the way of being able to come and go as you please. Fortunately, service dogs can enter buildings, ride on buses, and travel with you on airplanes.
What Should I Do Before Bringing My Service Dog Home?
Before you bring your service dog home, take care to choose high-quality food and supplies for your new friend such as a bed, height-appropriate bowls, and chew toys. Read through impartial online reviews to determine whether you're making a smart purchase before you order anything.
Additionally, decide whether your property needs a fence, a dog door, or any other type of addition to your home for safety reasons. Reach out to local contractors to determine the size of the fence and the materials you desire (and ensure that they are licensed and have insurance). Research fence companies by reading detailed feedback from customers. Don't forget to alert your fence contractor to any power lines or underground irrigation systems before booking your appointment.
Minimize stress before bringing your dog home (as it will be highly sensitive to your emotions) and take some time off work or school to bond. Puppy Leaks notes that it’s also a good idea to set up a safe space where they can relax. Contact your vet or trainer if you have any questions about your canine's medical or psychological needs.
There are many benefits to bringing a service dog into your home. Keep them safe and healthy by purchasing high-quality pet products, installing a fence if they’re going outdoors, and taking steps to alleviate stress. Before long, your service dog will feel like a member of your family.