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Service Dogs

September 1, 2023

It’s Service Dog Month! While many of our canine companions are undoubtedly Very Good Boys, service dogs are truly the best of the best. These intelligent, dedicated pups are devoted to helping their humans live their best lives. Here, a Washington DC vet shines the spotlight on service dogs.

When Did Service Dogs Become A Thing?

Man’s Best Buddy has actually been helping us for thousands of years. Murals from ancient Rome show Fido helping guide blind men. The first formal training started in the 1700’s. By World War l, service dogs were helping many veterans who lost their vision in mustard gas attacks. For a long time, service dogs mainly helped the vision impaired. Today, they help people with a range of disabilities and medical issues, which may range from diabetes to autism to PTSD.

What Makes A Good Service Dog?

The two most important traits in a service dog are trainability and a calm demeanor. However, aside from that, the answer would really depend on what Fido’s job will be. A Yorkie probably isn’t going to make the best dog for someone who needs assistance with mobility: a Bernese Mountain Dog would be a great fit for that. Breed definitely plays a role here: Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers tend to be great fits for this type of work. However, the dog’s character is also important.

How Are Service Dogs Trained?

Before becoming certified, Fido will need to go through a fairly rigorous training regimen. This may take 18 months or even longer … if he makes it. There’s a pretty high fail rate for service dog training: about half the pups don’t make it through. These guys may make wonderful pets, but are just unsuitable for this kind of work. 

Are Service Dogs Legally Protected?

The American Disabilities Act took huge steps forward in this area. Fido is legally allowed to go almost anywhere his humans need to access, with the only exceptions being areas like certain labs and hospital wards, where there is a risk of contamination. It’s illegal to refuse a person with a service dog entry or service, and a felony to harm a service dog. It’s worth noting that there is some confusion here between service dogs and emotional therapy dogs. Emotional therapy dogs do not have the levels of training or protection as service dogs.

Do you  have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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