29/10/2025
🦮Service dogs or Assistance dogs as we call them here in Australia are trained to mitigate one’s disability whether it be mental or physical. These clever canines save lives and give their handlers independence that they wouldn’t normally have. There are 4 breeds labelled as the “Fab Four” that are especially suited for the role; the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle. However, any dog with the right temperament and capabilities can learn the skills of an assistance dog. Here’s a few facts and tips about assistance dogs:
🐶There are 10 types of Assistance dogs all with their own unique tasks to perform.
🩸 Diabetic Alert Dogs are specifically trained to detect chemical changes in blood sugar and can also tell their handler if the levels are high or low.
🐕🦺 Assistance dogs are not pets but instead they are called working dogs and are classified as medical equipment.
🐾If you see an assistance dog without its owner and it seems rather agitated, follow it as it’s likely asking for help. Some assistance dogs are trained to find help when their handler collapses or falls unconscious.
👨🦽 Mobility Assistance Dogs can turn on lights, pull wheelchairs or help handlers gain momentum when walking, open doors, push buttons, retrieving items such as medication or handing a wallet to a cashier.
👩⚕️ Psychiatric Assistance dogs are trained to calm people with anxiety and panic disorders. They perform tasks such as behaviour interruptions and Deep Pressure Therapy.
🦮 Everyone knows you should not pat an assistance dog, but did you know that no interaction whatsoever should be made which includes making eye contact, talking to, or taking photos of the dog.
🙏Bundaberg South Vet Clinic would like to thank all humans working in the care and support industry as well as all the hardworking dogs that train and work as assistance dogs, emotional support animals and care givers.🧡🐾🧡
