5 Diabetes Alert Dog Breeds that Save Lives Today

More than 10% of the US population suffers from diabetes, that’s over 3.3 Million. If you are reading this article you probably know someone who is a part of this group or maybe you are a diabetic yourself.

In either case, it is a good thing to know that there is a wealth of resources out there. There are tools and services that can allow you to live a normal life despite your condition. One of the less-understood but highly effective ways of addressing diabetes is with a service dog.

In this article you will learn more about these heroic canines that save lives and some of the best breeds for your needs.

Benefits of a Diabetic Service Dog

Diabetic service dogs are a great benefit to those suffering from a condition of diabetes. Their primary directive is to detect high or low levels of blood sugar so that their owner can act to control their levels.

This functions because the body produces specific odors when blood sugar levels are low. While the human nose lacks the acuity to detect these odors, the diabetic service dog can easily detect these warning signs and bodily changes associated with high and low blood sugar.

If the diabetic service dog detects an abnormal level of blood sugar they will react with the following indicative behavior.

Holding a specific toy

Alerting a family member

Bringing medication to their owner

Touching their owner with their nose

Jumping at or pawing at their owner’s lap

Retrieving a phone so the owner can call 911

Calling 911 or pressing an alert button which will summon medical care.

Additionally, no life is complete without warm care, love and affection. Service dogs make superior companions to and are perfect companions to diabetics who live alone.

Top 5 Diabetic Service Dog Breeds

There are many reasons a diabetic will benefit from the companionship of a service dog. But, it will be important to choose a breed that best suits you and your lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular options.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are intelligent and empathetic and make suitable service dogs for a wide range of purposes. They are especially well-suited to life as a service dog for diabetics.

Labradors have impressive intelligence allowing them to take on many roles in many capacities. Not only is a Labrador intelligent, loyal and attentive, they are highly sociable and will get along well with all people and other dogs.

Labradors are larger dogs and are much happier in a larger space, but they will also adapt well to whatever situation you are in. If you are looking for a loving and affectionate companion for you could not ask for a better dog.

2. Poodle

The poodle is a terrific friend and top-notch service dog that is often misunderstood. They seem high-maintenance and have a reputation for looking down their noses at everyone, but the poodle is actually a hunting dog.

Their hunter’s instinct allows them a superior sense of smell even in the dog world. This makes them especially talented diabetic service dogs.

Poodles are also a highly intelligent breed and relish the task of maintaining alertness and fulfilling their duties with precision and reliability. They are also obedient and well behaved friends and this makes them a good option for a wide range of situations.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are another impressive and desirable service dog.

Golden Retrievers are large like a Labrador and feature the same elevated sense of smell that make Poodles a popular choice of diabetic service dog. They are also highly obedient and have a strong desire to please their masters.

You can expect unparalleled devotion and loyalty from a Golden Retriever. They are capable of learning many responses and commands that can be used to save their master’s life.

Another advantage is that Golden Retrievers are especially well-suited to social situations. If you need a dog that will get along well with other pets and small children, this is a great option for you.

4. Australian Shepherd

If you are looking for a dog that takes great care in hard work and has a keen intelligence in problem solving, the Australian Shepard is a sure winner. These dogs have superior detection skills and require plenty of mental stimulation to stay sharp.

Your Australian Shepard is also a highly active dog and you will need to provide them with plenty of physical exercise as well if you hope to keep a happy and healthy companion. Those who are especially old and may need help with certain aspects of their life.

5. Labradoodle

Finally, there is the combination of the Labrador and Poodle which takes the best of both of these talented service dogs to create the best companion a diabetic could hope for. These highly intelligent dogs are well suited to life as a service dog. These smart dogs have been trained extensively to aid humans as seeing eye dogs.

In addition to being a highly intelligent dog, Labradoodles are easy to train and very loyal and obedient. They also feature a lovely low shedding coat that makes it easier for those with allergies and asthma to cope.

Is a Diabetes Service Dog Right for You?

While a diabetic service dog has many benefits for a person suffering this condition, a dog is not for everyone. There is a lot about taking care of a dog that can make this task ill-suited to some people. Here are some of the people that do not make good candidates for a Seeing Eye dog.

– People with hypoglycemia unawareness
– Those suffering from low blood sugar
– Children who need to be tested often
– Those who are living alone and managing the condition without much experience
– Anyone without the time and experience to take care of a dog

If you can afford the costs of taking care of a dog and maintaining their health and personalities, you may be a good candidate for a diabetic service dog. You must take all the regular factors of dog care into account before you retain the services of a diabetic service dog.

Learn More About Managing Diabetes Today

If you are interested in the various advantages of having a diabetic service dog, you will be awarded with the best friend in the world. It is their joy and sworn duty to keep you safe and healthy.

But, there are also many other tools that can be used if you are not ready to take care of a dog. Be sure to check out all the options we have available on our website and find out more about the best options for you.