There are numerous illnesses, conditions, or disabilities that can greatly effect and individual’s life. Sometimes harmful substances or situations aren’t visible to us, or we are unaware of their presence. In a situation like this, it would be nice to have some kind of sixth sense to warn us of danger ahead. For people who suffer from certain allergies, a service dog can do just that – be your sixth sense.
The primary role for service dogs for a person who has allergies is to be able to sniff out allergy causing substances. This is usually performed on food or drinks before they are consumed.
What is incredible about a dog sniffing for allergens is that they are trained to recognize specific smells that are dangerous. A dog has a higher sensitivity to smells than us humans and they are able to pick up on hundreds of different scents. This is one of the reasons that dogs are able to pick up on the scent of their human so well.
So, pair a dog’s genetically specialized scent of smell with some intense training and you will have yourself one amazing allergy companion.
What You Need To Qualify for a Service Dog for Allergies
In all cases, in order to qualify for a service animal, you will need to get approval from a physician. The physician will need to verify if you have allergies and how severe they are. Generally, service dogs are used when a condition severely impacts a person’s well-being.
Once you obtain qualification from a physician, you will be able to get a trained service dog. Unfortunately, service animals can be very expensive so it is important to strongly consider if getting one is a good option for you. Luckily, with US Service Animals, you can enroll in our service dog training course to offset some of the costs.
Service Dog For Allergies
One of the tricky things about finding a service dog for someone with allergies is that they can often be allergic to the dog! There are specific breeds that are most commonly designated for service use, but others are used when allergies come into play. The most common service breeds for those with allergies are labradoodles and poodles. Hypoallergenic dogs are the way to go, but it is important to choose a breed that is intelligent enough for service work. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our guide to the best service dog breeds.
How A Service Dog Can Help Someone With Allergies
Allergen detection service dogs can be a game-changer for their owners. Service dogs are able to smell even the slightest traces of potential allergens. These can be masked within food or simply in the air. This is essentially a life-saving task because those who suffer from anaphylaxis can face life-threatening situations from the smallest amounts. Service animals that are trained for allergens will undergo personalized training to be able to recognize the problem allergens for their owner. It isn’t simply an occasional help; these dogs constantly scan foods and other areas for the scent of allergens.
A service dog isn’t just a companion, but it can be a lifeline. If somehow the owner ingests harmful allergens, the dogs are also trained to react or get help. The owners are able to live a more “free” life without the constant stress of worrying over every meal or what the air quality is that day.
Service dogs do tend to have a hefty price tag, but if you believe your life would be greatly altered by this furry companion, you shouldn’t hesitate. If cost is an issue, keep US Service Animals’ training course in mind, or take a look at our grants and resources guide to see if you qualify for cost coverage.
Service dogs are incredible animals that bring hope into their owner’s lives. It is amazing the large difference a small animal can make on a human. Companionship alone is a nice quality to have, but pairing that with a life-saving friend is a true game changer.
Service Dog for Allergies Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about service dogs for allergies? Our FAQ below covers the most common questions and concerns about these companions.
Is an Allergy Dog a Service Dog?
Yes, an allergy dog (or allergen detection dog) is a service dog under the ADA.
What Breed of Dog Is Best for Allergen Detection?
When it comes to allergen detection, the poodle tends to be the best suited. The biggest reason why poodles are great for allergen detection includes their highly sensitive nose, which is essential for this task. The poodles’ intellect and trainability also consistently make them among the most popular service dog breeds.
What Dog Breed Is the Worst for Allergies?
Dog breeds like the golden retriever, Labrador retriever, and German shepherd that are known for heavy shedding and lots of drooling tend to be the worst for allergies. If you have pet dander allergies in addition to food allergens you’d like a dog to detect, keep this in mind when choosing your service dog breed.
What Medical Issues Qualify for a Service Dog?
Many medical issues qualify for a service dog. All you need to get a service dog is a diagnosis from a licensed practitioner for a disability, which can include severe allergies. Take a look at our guide for more on qualifying disabilities for a service dog.