Service dogs are specialty trained to help and protect people with vision, hearing, physical and emotional challenges. Some of the earliest and well-known use of service dogs is the use of guide dogs for blind or visually challenged persons. The majority of people with PD use a Mobility Assistance Dog.
Sometimes a special harness is worn by a Mobility Assistance Dog made for pulling objects, such as wheelchairs.
Service dogs can help a person with Parkinson’s disease in many ways. Here are just a few of the ways:
- Help with physical tasks around the house such as turning on light switches, opening and closing doors, picking up objects.
- Assist with walking by helping with balance, act as a support or help a person get up.
- Hold a person up if they are dizzy.
- Overcome freezing of gait. This can be done by clearing the way in crowded areas, by using gentle pressure on a person’s leg or leading a person away from a hectic and stressful area that can exacerbate freezing.
- Exert a calming effect at times of stress and anxiety
Remember these are service dogs and not pets nor a guard dog. They are wonderful and amazing animals that can help you live better. Contact the following sources for more information:
Assistance Dogs International http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/. This site offers information on service dogs with FAQ.
Paws with a cause. https://www.pawswithacause.org/what-we-do/service-dogs. This site offers general information.
Nationwide Assistance Dog Group and Training Listing. http://landofpuregold.com/service-groups.htm. This site lists training and service dog programs by state
https://nwpfcommunity.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/how-can-service-dogs-help-parkinsons/
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