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Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition that causes pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. There is no cure, but service dogs for fibromyalgia can help make people’s lives easier in these six ways.
Service dogs are specially trained to help people with illnesses and disabilities. They can perform tasks, provide physical support, and so much more. Service animals began as dogs who would help blind or visually impaired people navigate the world. Today, they also help people with fibromyalgia, a chronic disease characterized by fatigue, sleep problems, and widespread pain. Here are six ways service dogs for fibromyalgia help people with the condition.
1. Mobility and Balance
Fibromyalgia can cause mobility problems and difficulty walking because of the pain and stiffness it causes. Service dogs learn how to help their people stand up, keep their balance, walk, get in and out of bed, get in and out of the tub, and beyond.
2. Fetching Things
It can be difficult for people with fibromyalgia to move sometimes. Having a companion around who can fetch things from around the house is extremely beneficial. Service dogs for fibromyalgia can retrieve medications, pick things up, place things on a table near their person, retrieve clothing, and so much more.
3. Clear a Path
Along with being able to retrieve things, service dogs can also clear a path for easier navigation. For example, if something has fallen on the floor, the dog can pick it up and move it. They can close drawers, move chairs out of the way, push elevator buttons, and even open and close doors.
4. Bring Back Feeling to Warm/Numb Skin
People with fibromyalgia often have trouble regulating their temperature, and they also experience numbness and tingling. A service dog can warm them up or reduce numbness through deep pressure therapy or with body heat.
5. Warn About Symptoms
Service dogs can sense symptoms that indicate an upcoming medical issue, such as seizures. Service dogs for fibromyalgia learn to sense oncoming migraines and dizziness. They can then take steps to stop their person from falling or hitting their head. They can also learn to sense other symptoms, such as the onset of a panic attack.
6. Emotional Support and Physical Symptoms
While service dogs learn to perform specific tasks, their general presence and companionship may help to reduce emotional distress, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, this emotional support may even help ease physical symptoms, as stress can trigger flare-ups.
A service dog for fibromyalgia requires extensive training, and this is very different from an emotional support or therapy dog. Support organizations and dog trainers in your area may be able to put you in touch with resources to get the process started.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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