5 Reasons to Get Yourself a Service Dog

There are lots of individuals who might want to get a service dog. Service animals can fulfill many purposes, and numerous studies have shown they provide real, tangible benefits. A service dog can definitely make all the difference in your life if you're struggling with a physical or psychological issue.

Let's go over five of the reasons why you might want to look into service dog ownership without delay. Your canine companion might be ready and waiting for you as we speak.

It Will Give You More Confidence

One reason you might decide to get yourself a service dog is that once you have one, you may become considerably more confident. Maybe:

• You're blind

• You have diabetes

• You have cerebral palsy

You might also register service dogs if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder. You could get one if you have chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome or if you have chronic back or neck problems.

The dog can help lead you around, but it can also give you a renewed confidence sense that you might sorely need. You may have a condition where you don't want to engage with individuals as much. You might stay at home all day, and you may want to get out and meet people more.

With a dog by your side, you may feel like you have a new lease on life. With your dog to lead you, you can go out and meet people and be more sociable than ever before.

They Can Help if Anything Happens to You

You might have one of the conditions we mentioned, and you could have an episode that puts you in danger. For instance, you might:

• Have a seizure

• Fall in your home or when you're out in the world

There are schools that train service dogs to help individuals with various conditions. For example, if you have a disorder that makes seizures likely, and you have one, the dog can scoot its body under your head to protect it from striking the ground.

If you fall or something else happens to you, the dog will stay by your side and keep you safe. They even know to get help if someone is nearby who can assist you.

They Can Be Your Constant Companion

Maybe you live on your own, and you might feel lonely sometimes. If so, a dog can provide you with simple canine loyalty and affection. They are pack animals, and they enjoy being with you.  

There have been many studies over the years that demonstrate conclusively that dogs and humans like to be around one another. It is a codependence that has lasted for thousands of years, and that's true of all dogs, not just service animals.

The dog will be happy to serve and help you, but it will also bond with you and be glad to be near you. That is a relationship that's very special, both for humans and animals. It's hard to be sad or experience depression for very long with a dog by your side.

They Can Retrieve Items and Help You Move Around the House

Trainers make sure that service dogs have all kinds of abilities so they can assist a wide variety of people. One thing they can do is to retrieve objects for individuals who have mobility issues.

You can get a service dog that can help you around the house if you're in a wheelchair or have painful arthritis. You can have the dog fetch items you need by giving it a basic command.

They can also turn on lights for you. They can provide stability as you're getting into or out of a wheelchair, and they can help you get into or out of the bathtub.

They Can Help You Move Around When You're Out in Public

Service dog trainers also make sure the animals can assist their owners when they go out in public. If you have stability issues when you walk, your service dog can keep you from falling in the grocery store or other locales. They can execute bracing maneuvers so you don't topple over if you feel dizzy.

The law allows service dogs into virtually all establishments, so you never have to leave them waiting outside. They can go with you on public transportation too.

It's not hyperbolic to say that your life can change when you get a service dog. They can be the answer to so many medical and emotional concerns.

© MD News Daily.