Dogs are extraordinarily intelligent, companionable, and hardworking friends that enrich humans’ lives in a variety of ways. One such way is by providing services to those with disabilities, allowing many people to lead fuller lives with greater autonomy than they might otherwise be able to without their companions at their sides. In honor of National Service Dog Month in September, we wanted to highlight some of the valuable services dogs provide.

Detecting Blood Sugar Changes

Having a diabetes alert dog can mean the difference between well-controlled blood sugar versus diabetic crisis. Dogs can learn to smell the changes in what a person breathes out, detecting both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and alerting the person to the issue. In fact, dogs are so perceptive they can even sense clues from the person’s appearance and behavior. By alerting the person as a change occurs, the person may have more time to correct the problem before reaching a crisis point, such as passing out from hypoglycemia.

Providing Mobility Assistance

For people who have trouble standing and walking, whether due to strength, balance or other reasons, a mobility service dog is invaluable. Tasks may include bracing, fetching items that roll under a car, and more. While many people rely on mechanical medical equipment as they walk, such as walkers or canes, dogs can provide a more adaptive role. This can lead to greater freedom and flexibility for the person who needs the assistance.

For example, stepping up onto curbs where no rails exist can be challenging with mechanical equipment. The equipment cannot help pull the person forward as they step up, as it isn’t anchored. Furthermore, placing the equipment up on the curb might position it too high when the person tries to brace against it while stepping up. Leaving it on the ground to try to lean on it could lead to the equipment tipping or sliding unexpectedly, and the person could also lose balance trying to bend over to lift it to the curb after stepping up. Any of these situations could lead to injuries.

Conversely, a service dog can maintain pace with the person, staying close and stepping only front feet onto the curb initially. This allows the person to lean on the dog and pull forward while stepping up. Once the person is up, the dog can then step up the rest of the way, too.

Calming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

A psychiatric service dog is trained to perform tasks for people who suffer from mental health challenges, such as anxiety and panic attacks. One example of those tasks is detecting changes in the person’s scent, behavior and mood that lead up to an episode. When the dog senses those changes, the dog can alert the person to leave the situation or take a seat until the panic attack subsides.

Of course, these are only a few of the ways in which dogs support the people who need them. Do any of these situations seem familiar to your own, so now you’re considering finding a service dog? At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we’d be honored to partner with you in keeping your service dog healthy and ready to face each day’s challenges. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your companion’s routine checkups, vaccinations, and other needs.