How Physical Service Dogs Drastically Improve the Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being of their Owners

People with physical disabilities such as mobility difficulties, balance challenges, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal disorders, often require in addition to conventional health care, personal assistance and help from family and friends.

These individuals often have specific physical and psychological needs. Also, they are at risk of social isolation and thereby restrictions to an individual’s desired lifestyle.

Service dogs can provide both physical as well as psychological support and increase the independence of people with mobility and balance challenges. Physical service dogs such as mobility assistance dogs and wheelchair assistance dogs are canines that are commonly trained to retrieve dropped items, drag a laundry basket, carry items, help individuals get dressed, move wheelchairs and provide counterbalance for transitional movements. In addition, these dogs are trained to attract other people’s attention in case of emergency or if the owner needs help.

Below I include some additional benefits these special service dogs provide to people with mobility-related physical disabilities.

🐾   Physical service dogs help people with physical disabilities by improving self‐esteem and wellbeing.

🐾   Physical service dogs positively influence socialization and community participation in a variety of environments.

For example, in a research study, participants who use wheelchairs with service dogs reported more social greetings and approaches in comparison with participants without service dogs.

🐾   Physical service dogs help people increase their activity level by spending more time outside their home and spending more time on social activities.

🐾   They reduce the anxiety caused by daily activities and change in general health.

🐾   These service dogs decrease the need to have others help with daily tasks. Also, service dog partnership decreases the paid assistance needed.

For individuals suffering from mobility disabilities, it is necessary to find assistant strategies that can support both

physical and psychological needs. Service dogs address those needs including improvement of wellbeing, quality of life and activity level.