This week we are singing the praises of the too often unsung heroes in our lives…service dogs.
People are surprised to learn service dogs can be trained for a variety of jobs, and to help people with a variety of disabilities. This week we are celebrating our four-legged furry heroes by spotlighting 7 different types of service dogs you might have seen out and about.
Before we dive into our list, let’s define what a service dog actually is. Some service dogs are trained to help people with disabilities perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible. Other dogs are trained to detect odors and signs in order to alert their owners, while some service dogs provide emotional support to their human counterparts.
- GUIDE DOGS
Guide dogs are the service dogs that people tend to be most familiar with. These K-9 superstars provide assistance to the visually impaired or blind. They can perform tasks, warn their owners of danger, and help them navigate obstacles to get from one place to another.
The most common breeds trained to be guide dogs in the United States are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
- SEIZURE RESPONSE DOGS
Seizure response dogs are trained to assist their handlers during and after a seizure. Otherwise known as SRDs, these pups can be taught to perform tasks like triggering an alarm to notify emergency personnel, fetch medication, or physically remove their handlers from danger. Some seizure dogs are even trained to move in a way that will protect the person having a seizure from further injury.
- DIABETES ASSISTANCE DOGS
We all know dogs have a good sense of smell, but diabetes assistance dogs have a spectacular sense. Their awesome noses can detect a change in glucose levels in saliva in order to alert their handlers to changes in blood sugar.
- ALLERGY DETECTION DOGS
Like diabetes assistance dogs, these pups have a super special sense of smell that allows them to pick up scents of possible allergens for people who have severe allergies. Before their handlers gets close enough to just touch the possible allergen, these dogs will alert to prevent exposure and possible anaphylactic shock.
- PTSD or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS
These kind K-9s are trained to provide emotional support to handlers in need, or people suffering from PTSD. These service dogs come in all different breeds, shapes and sizes.
- HEARING DOGS
Hearing dogs are trained to help support people who are hard of hearing or deaf. These hearing heroes act as a person’s ears and provide assistance in day to day tasks.
- AUTISM SERVICE DOGS
Autism service dogs help people with autism perform certain tasks in order to live a more independent life. They are specially trained to provide support and guidance in daily life.
So many of our furry friends are also daily heroes to those in need and for that reason our goal is to provide human grade, healthy and tasty treats for pets of every shape, size, and doggy occupation.
If you’re looking to add a healthy treat or food topper to your pet’s diet, check out OFF WE GO’s limited ingredient, bone broth, artisanal superfood treats and toppers. Our treats and toppers are made of bone broth, sweet potato, turmeric, oat flour, and coconut oil. Click here to --> SHOP NOW!
All our treats are made with 100% certified organic limited, healthy ingredient, and produced in small local kitchens right alongside our own human healthy treats. We believe in treating our pet’s bodies like our own and that healthy diets and activity are key to ensuring longevity and a good quality of life for our pets.
Giving Back!
Off We Go donates 10% of our net profit to no-kill animal shelters when purchased from www.offwego.co
Like subscription boxes? Check out www.pettreater.com and get 50% off your first month’s subscription with offer code OFFWEGO50 .
We're so tail-wagging excited to be a part of the Pet Treater subscription box for January. Some of this month's subscribers got to try samples of our Off We Go treats and toppers.
ALSO, we love hearing from pawrents! Send your questions, thoughts, or blog topic suggestions to blog@offwego.co
Happy Woofs!