MDF Magazine Issue 63 December 2020. 8 December

MD
How Service Dogs Can Benefit People
with Neuromuscular Diseases
By Muscular Dystrophy News Today
15 May 2017
Service dogs are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs
can be incredibly helpful for those with neuromuscular disorders.
As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs can expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence
and allowing them to get more out of life. Adults and children with neuromuscular diseases like spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA), muscular dystrophy (MD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) may find introducing a service dog to the
family improves their lives, allowing them to take a little pressure off their caregivers and giving them a best friend
for life.
Here are just a few benefits that having a service dog can bring to people who live with neuromuscular diseases
according to healthfitnessrevolution.com, mira.ca, the Lung Institute, and rover.com.
Wheelchair Assistance
Service dogs can be trained to pull wheelchairs and to help wheelchairs up ramps and onto sidewalks. They can also
help their owner move in and out of the wheelchair.
Anxiety Relief
Having a chronic illness can bring about many emotional and mental health problems. The calming nature of service
and therapy dogs can help ease anxiety and petting dogs is known to release endorphins and reduce stress.
Retrieve Items
Service dogs can help neuromuscular disease patients by picking up dropped items and fetching items from other
rooms, a vital service for someone who may find getting around difficult and painful.
Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
There is evidence that stroking a dog and sitting next to a dog lowers blood pressure and heart rate. The soothing
effects of their body heat may also help with pain relief.
Improved Balance
Walking with a service dog can help people with milder forms of neuromuscular disorders who have trouble with their
balance. The dogs can also help prop their owners in place to prevent falls.
Good Distraction
Looking after a service dog gives people something to focus on other than their illness. It can help patients develop
positive routines and force them to get up and go out.
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