Service dogs are trained to offer support to people living with a range of disabilities and chronic diseases — including myasthenia gravis (MG). They offer mobility support, provide alerts in times of medical crises and contribute to a more independent lifestyle. People living with MG have shown to benefit from the company and practical assistance of a specially trained service dog.
What are service animals?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” Service dogs have two years of training before they are placed with their owner. They are legally allowed to accompany their owner in public spaces like restaurants, stores and healthcare facilities. Service dogs usually wear an identifying vest or harness when they are “working.”
Service dogs are different from emotional support or therapy dogs. These dogs provide comfort to individuals, and may be allowed in some settings where a typical pet isn’t (such as a hospital or apartment). However, they do not receive the same extensive training or legal access to public spaces as a service dog.
Benefits of a service dog for myasthenia gravis
If you’ve never owned a dog before, the idea of living with a service dog may seem daunting. However, there are many proven benefits associated with welcoming a service dog into your life, ranging from psychological and emotional to physical.
- Mobility assistance: A service dog can help you maintain balance and stability, prevent falls and pick up dropped objects.
- Fatigue support: To conserve your energy, your service dog can carry light items in a backpack.
- Medical alerts: A service dog can be trained to recognize when their handler experiences difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing or other health crises that require medical attention. They can raise the alarm and ensure quick medical treatment.
- Physical independence: Muscle fatigue and weakness makes it difficult to move around independently. A service dog is trained to open doors and press hard-to-reach buttons to facilitate a greater level of autonomy.
- Companionship: While it’s not their primary purpose, service dogs are a constant companion. Spending time with a dog can boost well-being, reduce stress and anxiety and ease feelings of social isolation and depression.
- Exercise: It is important to maintain light physical activity when living with MG. A service dog offers good support and company on daily walks.
As well as providing assistance to people with MG, a service dog can also be a valuable addition to the family or household, providing reassurance and company to other family members.
Read more about myasthenia gravis treatment and care
Considerations before getting a service dog
Just like any other dog, service dogs need to be fed, walked and cared for. While many nonprofits will help with the cost of acquiring a service animal, food and veterinary bills are usually the owner’s responsibility. Before getting a service dog, carefully consider if you and your family can take on these long-term needs.
Where to find a service dog
While some people have successfully self-trained their service dogs, it’s generally recommended to choose a professionally trained service dog.
There are a number of organizations that train and place service dogs with people living with chronic diseases. Assistance Dogs International is the best place to start your research, as they have a comprehensive directory and they are the international accreditor of smaller non-profit organizations. Other organizations worth a look include Canine Companions, Paws With A Cause and NEADS Service Dogs.
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