For this Staff Chat, let’s chat about dogs! Specifically, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, service dogs, and working dogs.
We’ll start with therapy dogs, which are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. They are gentle, patient, and friendly dogs who, through interactions with the public, can help reduce the stress or loneliness in those individuals. Two good examples close to home – you may have encountered a furry member of Paw Force One if you were at John Glenn International Airport in the last few years. And at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Buckeye Paws has had the mission of supporting the mental and emotional health of the staff at the Wexner Medical Center since March 2020. That program worked so well that in March of 2022, Buckeye Paws mission was expanded to provide therapy dog assistance to students, faculty, and staff of the Ohio State University!
Next, emotional support dogs. Per the AKC, to legally be considered as an emotional support dog, the pet needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness. The professional must determine that the presence of an animal is needed for the mental health of the patient. It’s an incredibly important task for the dog, as they provide emotional support and comfort that helps their human deal with challenges (anxiety and depression are some examples) that might otherwise compromise their quality of life.
Service dogs are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as “dogs that are individually trained to do the work or perform tasks for people with disabilities”. A close to home example is Pilot Dogs, who provide expertly trained guide dogs to those who are blind or visually impaired, so that they can live with greater independence, safety, and mobility. Even closer to home – Dr. Joe Bando is one of the two veterinarians for Pilot Dogs! Other examples of service dogs are hearing dogs, who help alert deaf and hard of hearing people to important sounds; mobility dogs, who assist individuals who use wheelchairs or walking devices, or have balance issues; and medical alert dogs, who can signal the onset of a medical issue such as a seizure or low blood sugar.
Last, but certainly not least, are working dogs. There are so many varieties of working dogs, and the tasks they perform, that we won’t attempt to cover all of them! Some examples, however – detection dogs, who have been trained to specifically detect items such as drugs, explosives, blood, and human remains. These dogs are typically used by the police and military. Herding dogs, which will not only herd a flock, but guard it also. It is amazing what a well-trained border collie can accomplish with only minor directions from their handler when herding sheep! Search and rescue dogs are highly trained scenting dogs who, along with their handlers, locate missing people. A close to home example? Buckeye Search and Rescue Dogs, based in Cincinnati, is an all-volunteer organization who, in 2024, is celebrating their 20th anniversary performing this incredible service.
So that’s a quick round up (no pun intended) of the differences between therapy, emotional support, service, and working dogs. All performing valuable services for us and our communities!
We offer both preventative care services (much like your visits to the dentist), along with dental x-rays and tooth extractions. Good oral hygiene is the best thing that you can do to ensure a longer life, with less health concerns, for your pet. Call us to schedule a dental exam or service.
xLaboratory services are a vital part of the diagnostic process when it comes to veterinarian care. This is because in many cases it is not possible to be able to give a firm diagnosis without undertaking additional tests to confirm the root of the problem. If you have any questions or concerns your vet will be happy to speak to you.
xThis is the most effective way to assist in having your companion returned if they go missing. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, it provides information that assists in reuniting you with your furry friend!
xCongratulations on the newest member of your household - we can’t wait to meet them! Call us today to schedule an initial visit – our team will conduct a thorough physical exam, in addition to discussing nutrition, training, and medical care. We’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, as well
xLaser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and accelerates healing for a variety of conditions. It is useful as a post-surgical treatment, for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, and wounds, and chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
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