5 things you may not know a service dog can do for your health

Service dogs are highly trained animals that can help their humans perform tasks that may otherwise be impossible. Although people may know service dogs best for their ability to help people who cannot see, these dogs can provide life-changing benefits for many health conditions.

New uses for service dogs are being researched every day. Current research suggests that dogs may be able to alert people to allergens or even smell cancer, and new uses are being discovered every year. Here are just five of the ways service dogs are being put to work today:

Diabetes

A service dog have joined the measures for treating diabetes in several ways. A trained dog can alert someone with diabetes when their blood sugar is getting low or dangerously high. (Some people with Type 1 diabetes may not have typical symptoms of low blood sugar and will not know they need to address it unless alerted.) A service dog can also bring medication or juice when needed. In an emergency, a service dog can retrieve a cell phone to call 911 or alert others to come and help. “A person with diabetes can lose consciousness or have a seizure if their blood sugar gets too low,” says Matt Howard, executive director for Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing. “If a service dog is able to alert them early, they can take steps to get their blood sugar to a safe level.”

Seizure

Dogs can be trained to respond to a person having a seizure and even to predict when a seizure is going to occur. Dogs who are able to respond to a seizure may lie next to the person to ensure they are not injured during the episode or may stand in their way to break their fall. They may also be trained to get help for a child or adult who is having a seizure and needs assistance.

Mobility

One of the better-known uses for a service dog is for a person who has limited mobility. These dogs can help retrieve items, open doors, and even pull wheelchairs on difficult terrain. For people who can walk, but with difficulty, a service dog can help provide balance for them as they move.

Emotional Support

A therapy dog can give companionship and comfort to individuals experiencing distress. They can help a variety of people, including those with mental illness, physical disabilities, or post-traumatic stress. Therapy dogs are often used in a hospital setting, where they and their handlers can help ease the stress patients may feel. They also provide services at nursing homes or rehabilitation centers and many other places where people may need comfort.

Autism

Service dogs can provide several benefits for people with autism. A dog can help ease anxiety, reduce behavioral issues, and increase positive social behaviors. Children can be tethered to a dog while outside to keep them from wandering away. Dogs can calm children and distract them from stimulation when they are in unfamiliar environments.

From emotional support and comfort to performing intricate tasks, specially-trained service dogs can give their human companions vital assistance in their daily lives. A service dog can remove the obstacles that some medical conditions might cause and help people to live happy lives.