Diabetic alert dogs give independence to their owners

Although the formal training and use of guide dogs for the blind has been common since the First World War, it has only been in the last twenty years that dogs have been trained extensively to help people with other disabilities. The American with Disabilities Act assured that service dogs could accompany their humans in public places.

One way they are being used is as diabetic alert dogs.

Twelve-year-old Jacob Haug of Washington was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes eight years ago. There is as yet no cure for the disease but now he can live a more independent life because of Shasta, a four-month-old black Lab.

Shasta is Jacob’s constant companion. She is being trained to monitor his blood sugar level by smelling his breath. If his blood sugar suddenly gets too high she will paw him to let him know. If it gets too low she will nudge him with her nose.

Diabetics often don’t feel fluctuations in blood sugar levels and the dog alert can be life-saving.

Dogs can smell a tablespoon of sugar in an Olympic-size swimming pool. Humans, some anyway, can smell a tablespoon of sugar in a glass of ice tea.

For Jacob it means that he can have more independence and play sports like a normal active twelve-year-old. The story

More on dogs for diabetics

Comments

[Jerry]

I continue to marvel at dogs and the peoplo who use their abilities.

[Maude]

That is incredible, but I wonder how on earth these dogs are trained to be able to do this.

[GizmoGeodog]

Hi Jan...just wanted to let you know that I followed up on your tip about the FLW doghouse and it's in my blog post today with a link back to you...Thank you

[Jen @MyBrownNewfies]

Awesome. Just pure awesome:)

[snoopy@snoopysdogblog]

I loved reading this story :) Us Doggies are great at doing all kinds of jobs, we don't just have to sit and look cute all the time :)

Have fun,

Your pal Snoopy :)

[Donna]

I've read of these dogs before and I have to say that it is a wonderful program. My family has a major history of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

My sister is one of the people who has Type 1, and growing up together I saw first hand how hard it is for children to monitor their sugar levels properly. A dog like one of these would have made an amazing difference in her childhood!

[Sherry in MT]

Always love these!

[Missy@dawsondogs]

Amazing! I love it when dogs can help kids be independent. WE LOVE KIDS!

[Michelle - Dog Walker]

It has always amazed me how these trained dogs are able to help people with their illnesses and disabilities. Thanks for the great story! very heart warming.

[shih tzu]

i am really amazed that shasta was being train to monitor the blood sugar level of jacob. it so life saving! i salute who train shasta, a big help for jacob's disability.

[Jodi]

I didn't know they were being trained in this way. Having a diabetic mother who has gone 'out of her head' when her sugar levels are off, I can see how important this is.

[yellowdoggranny]

that is amazing..

[yellowdoggranny]

goooooooooooo niners.

[Oklahoma doctor]

Great post! That’s great advice.

[fallconsmate]

having Shadow has helped me a great deal. she doesnt alert on "highs" but she does on "lows". she's a lifesaver...literally!

[Mel-Beth]

Thank you so much for sharing our story! We are really loving Shasta and what she is doing for Jacob. You can follow their progress on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JacobandhisDAD

[Calgary Orthotics]

Now what we need is a dog that detect hyperglycemia and takes you for a walk to bring your BG down.

[geomark]

Dogs are the most liked animal by many of the people around the world