Hypoglycemia unawareness is a common — and serious — sickness that can grow in individuals that have type 1 diabetes. This state means you don’t experience the symptoms most folks do when their blood sugar gets too low. Standard symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, or confusion. At very low numbers, you may experience seizures, or go into a coma if your blood sugar is too low for too long. One of the choices for this state is man’s best friend: a diabetes service dog.
Dogs have a naturally heightened sense of smell that makes them excellent hunters. Professional trainers have learned to use these skills by training dogs to recognize unique odors. These could include the fruity smelling ketones a man’s body creates when they may be experiencing a hyperglycemic episode when blood sugar is too high, or the extraordinary scent someone gives off during a hypoglycemic episode when blood sugar is too low.
A diabetes service dog isn’t a replacement for evaluating glucose levels. However, it is a safeguard for those who experience episodes low or high blood sugar, especially if they do not have warning symptoms.
Who trains service dogs?
There are several service dog training strategies across the country. As an example is VuCare Assistance Dogs in Australia.
It's an organization to train a dog to comprehend the difference between unique odors. This includes the scent someone releases when their blood sugar is high or low.
In accordance with VuCare Assistance Dogs, there are two levels of service dogs for patients with diabetes. Medical alarm dogs for diabetes are trained to respond to signs an owner may be experiencing low glucose levels, once they have become symptomatic. A diabetic watchful dog, on the other hand, is trained to comprehend changes in a guy’s blood chemistry, which often allows the dog to alarm the person or the health professionals to take activities in the critical window of time 15 to 30 minutes before symptoms occur.
Dog breeds trained to perform diabetic alarm dog responsibilities can include:
- Golden retrievers
- Labrador retrievers
- Poodles
If someone has a dog they would like to train to become a diabetes watchful dog, they may be able to submit it for testing to determine if the dog has the character and scenting ability needed. Most service dogs are between 1 and 2 years old when they could be place with their owners.
Dogs are trained to react in distinct manner to an owner who is having a high or low blood sugar episode. Examples include:
Dogs are trained to react in distinct manner to an owner who is having a high or low blood sugar episode. Examples include:
- holding a particular toy inside their mouth as a signal
- jumping on the owner
- sitting and staring at the owner
- touching the owner with its nose
Dogs may also perform other jobs in addition to alerting their owners about changes in blood sugar. These may consist of:
- Alarming other family members if an owner needs help
- bringing needed things, including drugs
- Regaining a cell phone for help
- Occasionally, dialing a high-speed respond hotline using a special device, if help is wanted
What should you consider before getting a service dog?
Not all individuals with diabetes may obtain from, or need, a diabetes service dog. Examples of individuals that could reap the advantages of service dogs include:
Not all individuals with diabetes may obtain from, or need, a diabetes service dog. Examples of individuals that could reap the advantages of service dogs include:
- those with hypoglycemia unawareness
- those who control their blood sugar using an insulin pump or injections
- those who experience low blood sugar levels regularly
- Children who need regular blood sugar testing at night
- college students who are now living away from home and want added support
- If you or a loved one do not experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or you’re capable of controlling your blood sugar with oral drugs, you may not need the additional expense and obligation of a service dog.
In regards to expenses, insurance companies may cover the costs related to a diabetes service dog. However, their owners in many instances must take health insurance for the dog, in addition, to provide for food and other veterinary expenses associated with caring for the dog. Having a diabetes service dog is an investment in time and funds, and is a relationship which will ideally live at least a decade for the dog and owner.
About VuCare Assistance Dogs
VuCare runs as a not for profit organization that provides support with medical aids and has a target to train Assistance Dogs and Company Dogs to enhance the quality of life and raise the degree of freedom for people who have handicaps. VuCare Assistance Dogs and Company Dogs offer their new owners greater autonomy increased freedom, enhanced trust and higher self esteem.
To find out more call us on 1300 830 166 or e-mail us at info@vucare.com.au. See VuCare Assistance Dogs web site at http://vucare.com.au.
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