Medical response dog: Difference between revisions
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A '''medical response dog''' is a specific type of [[service dog]] specifically trained to help mitigate an individual's medical disability. Typically, they are dogs whose job does not handle primarily [[epilepsy]] or [[psychiatry|psychiatric]]-based conditions, though some [[seizure response dog]]s or [[psychiatric service dog]]s may also be referred to as medical response. |
A '''medical response dog''' is a specific type of [[service dog]] specifically trained to help mitigate an individual's medical disability. Typically, they are dogs whose job does not handle primarily [[epilepsy]] or [[psychiatry|psychiatric]]-based conditions, though some [[seizure response dog]]s or [[psychiatric service dog]]s may also be referred to as medical response. |
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Many medical response dogs "alert" their handlers to conditions before they occur. For example, service dogs partnered with [[diabetes|diabetic]] persons may be trained to detect when the handler's [[blood sugar]] becomes too high or low <ref>https://mycareteam.georgetown.edu/DiabetesClinic/Diabetes_News_Archive/Mar092005.asp Article regarding diabetes service dog providers. </ref>. In the UK, [[hypo alert dog]]s are used to alert their diabetic owners of dangerous changes in their blood sugar levels <ref>http://www.hypoalertdogs.co.uk/</ref>. In addition to or in the absence of this training, medical response dogs are also often trained skills to help in their handlers' symptoms, such as bringing [[medication]]s or a [[telephone]], providing bracing and other mobility assistance, or any other number of tasks <ref>http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html A list of example tasks for [[psychiatric service dog]]s on the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners' website. </ref>. |
Many medical response dogs "alert" their handlers to conditions before they occur. For example, service dogs partnered with [[diabetes|diabetic]] persons may be trained to detect when the handler's [[blood sugar]] becomes too high or low <ref>https://mycareteam.georgetown.edu/DiabetesClinic/Diabetes_News_Archive/Mar092005.asp Article regarding diabetes service dog providers. </ref><ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/pets/dogs/2010-10-14-diabetesdogs14_ST_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip/ Dogs alert diabetes patients when blood sugar is off]</ref>. In the UK, [[hypo alert dog]]s are used to alert their diabetic owners of dangerous changes in their blood sugar levels <ref>http://www.hypoalertdogs.co.uk/</ref>. In addition to or in the absence of this training, medical response dogs are also often trained skills to help in their handlers' symptoms, such as bringing [[medication]]s or a [[telephone]], providing bracing and other mobility assistance, or any other number of tasks <ref>http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html A list of example tasks for [[psychiatric service dog]]s on the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners' website. </ref>. |
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Many medical response dogs may be trained by an organization or by their handler. Like all [[assistance dog]]s, they must be of a particular work-loving personality and be properly [[socialization|socialized]] if expected to work in public. There are no [[dog breed|breed]] or size restrictions other than those directly related to the tasks needed. |
Many medical response dogs may be trained by an organization or by their handler. Like all [[assistance dog]]s, they must be of a particular work-loving personality and be properly [[socialization|socialized]] if expected to work in public. There are no [[dog breed|breed]] or size restrictions other than those directly related to the tasks needed. |
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Revision as of 08:12, 1 November 2010
A medical response dog is a specific type of service dog specifically trained to help mitigate an individual's medical disability. Typically, they are dogs whose job does not handle primarily epilepsy or psychiatric-based conditions, though some seizure response dogs or psychiatric service dogs may also be referred to as medical response.
Many medical response dogs "alert" their handlers to conditions before they occur. For example, service dogs partnered with diabetic persons may be trained to detect when the handler's blood sugar becomes too high or low [1][2]. In the UK, hypo alert dogs are used to alert their diabetic owners of dangerous changes in their blood sugar levels [3]. In addition to or in the absence of this training, medical response dogs are also often trained skills to help in their handlers' symptoms, such as bringing medications or a telephone, providing bracing and other mobility assistance, or any other number of tasks [4].
Many medical response dogs may be trained by an organization or by their handler. Like all assistance dogs, they must be of a particular work-loving personality and be properly socialized if expected to work in public. There are no breed or size restrictions other than those directly related to the tasks needed.
The allowed public accessibility of medical response dogs varies from region to region. In general, areas with laws protecting the usage of guide dogs and other assistance dogs, such as in the United States [5], also cover medical response dogs as well.
References
- ^ https://mycareteam.georgetown.edu/DiabetesClinic/Diabetes_News_Archive/Mar092005.asp Article regarding diabetes service dog providers.
- ^ Dogs alert diabetes patients when blood sugar is off
- ^ http://www.hypoalertdogs.co.uk/
- ^ http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html A list of example tasks for psychiatric service dogs on the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners' website.
- ^ http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/statutes/ofccp/ada.htm Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990