It seems as if they have service dogs for just about anything these days, and that is because they do!
We have found that not only can dogs be great four-legged friends, but they can also be reliable and trustworthy companions. Dogs have heightened senses and better awareness than humans; therefore they can help us detect things that otherwise might have gone unnoticed.
Most medical issues can be helped with the implementation of a service dog, but these specially trained dogs should only be utilized for those with moderate to severe issues. Our guide to what do service dogs do get more into detail about different tasks suited for various medical issues.
Diabetes is a lifelong struggle for many individuals that can leave their life almost uninterrupted if well maintained and free of complications. The troubles start when individuals aren’t quite able to keep up with their health and relieve complications.
How A Service Dog Can Help With Diabetes
Service dogs are able to help those with diabetes thanks to their heightened sense of smell.
Some of the smells could include the fruity-smelling ketones a person’s body produces when they are experiencing a hyperglycemic episode when blood sugar is too high, or the unique scent a person gives off during a hypoglycemic episode when blood sugar is too low.
No individual should fully rely on a service animal to monitor their blood sugar levels, but the animal serves as a second defense system. These animals are especially useful for individuals whose blood sugar levels tend to quickly plummet or spike with little to no warning signs.
Dogs are trained to react in different ways to an owner who is having a high or low blood sugar episode. Examples include:
- Holding a particular toy in their mouth as a signal
- Jumping on the owner
- Sitting and staring at the owner
- Touching the owner with the their nose
Dogs may also perform other activities in addition to alerting their owners about changes in blood sugar. These can include:
- Alerting other family members if an owner needs assistance
- Bringing needed objects, such as medications
- Retrieving a cell phone for assistance
- In some instances, dialing 911 using a special device if assistance is needed
How to Get a Service Dog For Diabetes
Getting a service dog can be kind of tricky. Typically, you will need to have a reference or recommendation letter from a doctor, a copy of your medical history, and an application form.
Service animals are specially trained on a case-by-case basis so it is important that as many details as possible regarding your health and needs are disclosed to make sure you get the perfect match.
It’s also important to note that registering your service dog can help, and this is a service that we offer at US Service Animals, along with many service animal training programs.
How Much Is a Diabetic Service Dog?
Having a service dog is like always having a doctor at your disposal, well, kind of. Having specialized treatment at your fingertips can come with a hefty price.
It is estimated that a diabetic service animal is roughly $35,000. If this isn’t something you can fit into your budget you still have options. Some organizations provide service animals for a discounted price or for no cost.
To get this nice perk, you have to have certain qualifications. Even if you are a match, you will have to “wait” your turn. The wait lists for no-cost service animals can tend to be pretty long. Don’t immediately disqualify yourself or give up. Put yourself on that wait list because the day might come that you get a trusty companion at your side.
Service Dogs for Diabetes
At the end of the day, service dogs for diabetes are a great way to manage your condition. In fact, a diabetes service dog can usually determine if you’re having a blood sugar issue before you do.This even happens when you’re sleeping.
For these reasons, it may be time to speak with your doctor about getting a service dog that can help with diabetes. Thankfully, at US Service Animals we make it easy to learn more about service dogs for diabetes, disabilities that qualify for service dogs, and much more.
Common Questions About Service Dogs for Diabetes
Have more questions about service dogs for diabetes? No worries, because we answer the most common questions below.
Can a Diabetic Get a Service Dog?
Yes, diabetics can get service dogs. These are known as Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs). Diabetic service dogs are highly trained and can recognize changes in blood sugar. In fact, this can happen before sensors find these changes.
Does Insurance Cover Diabetic Alert Dogs?
No, insurance does not cover diabetic alert dogs. While insurance may cover insulin and other types of medical treatment, this does not apply to service dog purchase, training, or maintenance. Moreover, this applies to Medicare and Medicaid, too.
What Breed of Service Dog is Best for Diabetes?
At US Service Animals, we know that many breeds can work based on your situation, but it’s important to note that some breeds are better than others for diabetes. For this reason, we recommend golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and collies. These breeds have the best results with diabetes, especially for noticing changes in blood sugar. For more advice on service dog breeds, take a look at our guide.
Is a Diabetic Alert Dog Worth It?
Service dogs cost a lot of money, so we understand if you’re worried about a diabetic service dog being worth the money. That said, you’ll find that the initial costs are worth the lifelong comfort that service dogs can offer. While they don’t replace blood sugar management tools, service dogs can improve outcomes during emergencies and detect or prevent them from happening.