Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Is there anything dogs can’t do? Non-profit organization Dogs4Diabetics is training therapy dogs to detect low blood sugar.

More and more, we’re coming to realize the role pooches can play in helping those who need it. From sniffing out cancer to offering companionship therapy to the elderly, dogs are being employed in all sorts of awesome ways that lend a helping hand to humans.

But did you know that dogs can also help detect diabetic episodes? Neither did we, until we came across an amazing organization called Dogs4Diabetics (D4D).

Dogs4Diabetics trains pups to recognize the unique scent diabetics give off when they have a hypoglycemic episode, which occurs when the blood sugar gets dangerously low. Hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, coma or even death if left untreated. Though there are often signs and symptoms leading up to such an episode, not all diabetics experience them and can be hit by an episode unawares — and that’s where the Dogs4Diabetics pooches comes in.

Related:HABRI Proves Animals Provide Amazing Health Benefits

Not only do these clever canines help in the short-term by helping detect hypoglycemia before it occurs, but they also help D4D clients avoid the long-term risks that can come with diabetes, like blindness and amputation. Plus, having a tail-wagging furry friend with you at all times makes coping with the daily realities of the disease much more manageable.

Diabetes can also be stressful for the close family members of sufferers since they play a large part in helping diabetics manage their disease. A medic-alert dog helps provide peace of mind for parents or spouses, who now know that their loved one has the support of their canine companion no matter where they are.

Related:Paws For Veterans Trains Rescue Dogs To Help Heroes With PTSD

And think about it — wouldn’t you be more likely to check your blood sugar on a frequent basis if you got a friendly reminder from a cuddly pooch instead of a nagging parent or spouse? Yep, that’s what we thought.

The dogs are specially bred to be therapy dogs and trained over the course of six-months. Then, they’re provided at no cost to those who need them. Amazing, right?

The only thing holding D4D back from providing even more therapy dogs to diabetes sufferers is the expense: it currently costs around $25,000 to breed, raise and train a single pup. While they currently have 100 volunteer staff on board to help with everything from fostering trainee pups to training and fundraising work, it should come as no surprise that more help (particularly financial) is always needed.

If you would like to learn more about Diabetes4Dogs and how you can donate to the cause, visit Dogs4Diabetics.com.

Make sure you also watch the video below to see the D4D dogs in action and hear the heartwarming tales of those they have helped.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

7 Common Veterinary Treatments For Dog Allergies

Sneezing, itching, licking, runny eyes - dog allergies can present in many ways and come from different sources. Here''s how you can give your dog relief.
Smart Pet Travel Over the Holidays With PetSmart

Don''t make holiday travel with your pet stressful. PetSmart has everything you need for a road trip with your pet or if you need a sitter while you''re away.
Braque Du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais, also known as the French Pointer, is a medium-sized dog with a smooth, short coat and a brown and white spotted coloration.
How to Control Your Cat’s Shedding

Even though it''s normal for cats to shed, excessive shedding could indicate a health problem or high levels of stress. And shedding can get out of control.
Giant Spitz

The Giant Spitz lives up to its name with his classic, spitz-like characteristics and his large size. These dogs were traditionally used for guarding.
Ram Cichlids

Ram Cichlids (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) are a species of freshwater cichlid that can be found in slow-moving waters throughout the Orinoco River basin.
Chipit Dog

The Chipit dog is a mix of sassy Chihuahua and brawny American Pit Bull terrier. Chipits lively nature and sturdy physique make them ideal for families.
Double Yellow Headed Amazon

With its 80 years long lifespan and goofy, lovable behavior, Double Yellow Headed Amazon makes an excellent choice for a companion bird.
Help Kickstart AiryVest, the World’s Lightest Dog Vest

Active dogs don''t want to be weighed down. Outfit your pooch in AiryVest, a fashionable Kickstarter project that claims to be the world''s lightest dog vest.
Up The Creek: Adventures In Canine Canoeing Part 1

While most of us just went to the beach or cottage, Kevin Roberts spent his summer vacation canoeing with his husband and three dogs in the Canadian wilderne…
This AI-Powered Cat Food Bowl Uses Face ID to Stop Kibble Thieves

If you live in a multi-pet household or have furry neighbors visiting in through the cat door, Mookkie will be a real lifesaver.
Kickstarter Squatting Dog Figurine a Modern “Objet D’fart”

Is it wrong that I’m going to fund the creation of a Squatting Dog figurine? Looking for that conversation piece that’ll tie your décor to…
Just As Gross As Is Sounds: The Low-Down On Roundworms In Dogs

We''ve got the poop-scoop on roundworms in dogs - and it ain''t a pretty sight! Found in animal feces, it can be passed along from dog to human.
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Dakota

Get ready to get fuzzy with Dakota, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Dakota is a 3-year-old male Norwegian Elkhound from Florida. Her…
How To Keep Pets Safe From Coyotes

With housing developments expanding into wooded areas, it''s not uncommon to hear of coyote attacks on pets. Here''s how to protect your furry loved ones.