A List of Diabetic Service Dog Breeds
If you have Type 1 diabetes then, being unaware of Hyperglycemia is one common yet dangerous condition.
This just means that you don’t feel the symptoms of low blood sugar such as shaking, sweating, or confusion like the average person.
You may even go through seizures or go into a coma.So, that’s why we have diabetic service dogs!In this article, I will go through a list of diabetic service dog breeds and tell you everything there is to know. Let’s just jump right in, shall we?
Who Trains These Diabetic Service Dogs?
There are several dog-training programs available across the United States of America such as the Diabetic Alert Dog University, Dogs 4 Diabetics, or the National Institute for Diabetic Alert Dogs.
Diabetic Service dogs are trained to recognize different scents and differentiate between them.
This also includes scents that people release with high or low blood sugar. There are two levels of service dogs for diabetic patients:
- Medical response dogs: These dogs are trained to detect the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels in their owners
- Diabetic alert dogs: They are trained to recognize the changes in their owner’s blood chemistry and alert the caregivers to take immediate action 15 to 30 minutes before the occurrence of symptoms
This makes a diabetic patient’s life easier.
The List of Diabetic Service Dog Breeds
In this section of the article I will go over the list of diabetic service dogs to help you determine which one is the best for you? Let’s begin.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are a versatile breed. They make excellent companions, are excellent swimmers, are good at hunting, etc.
These dogs are hardworking and intelligent which makes them excellent service dogs.
Labs are friendly and sociable and do good with families as well.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers also make excellent companion dogs as they are devoted, intelligent, obedient and eager to please. These dogs are affectionate to their owners and friendly towards other pets as well as children.
3. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent as well as obedient dogs who are curious and eager to please their owners.
They are fairly easy to train and quite dependable which makes them excellent service dogs. These dogs like to be challenged mentally and can adapt to different environments. They are focused and alert in all sorts of situations.
4. Labradoodle
Labradors and Poodles both have several qualities that make them excellent diabetic service dogs.
So, naturally, the Labradoodle gets the best of both worlds as he’s got one Labrador parent and one Poodle. These service dogs are asthma and allergy friendly and don’t shed too much. They’re intelligent and were bred in Australia to be guide dogs for the blind.
5. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a smart, hardworking, intelligent, and versatile little doggy that likes to figure a problem out on his own.These dogs have high energy needs and love a good physical and mental workout and are good service dogs for diabetic patients.
Final Words
If you have Type 1 diabetes as well as Hyperglycemia, you should get yourself a diabetic service dog and choose a breed that suits your lifestyle as well as your needs. There are two types of diabetic service dogs so; you should choose the kind that you require in your life.A dog is a long-term commitment so, choose one who will fit your needs just right.
