Ehlers-Danlos Service Dogs

Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that help mitigate the disabilities of their owners. For individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, some of the valuable tasks a service dog can be trained to perform include:

▢ Alerting family members for help

▢ Assisting with position changes (helping the owner sit or lie down during a medical crisis, rise & steady, or transfer from a chair to the floor to or wheelchair)

▢ Providing balance support

▢ Bracing or leaning against handler for grounding

▢ Counterbalance to help maintain stability

▢ Deep Pressure Therapy to alleviate anxiety or discomfort

▢ Fetching medication or a phone

▢ Find specific locations or items (bathroom/car/etc)

▢ Forward momentum pulling to assist movement

▢ Grounding techniques to help bring focus

▢ Medical recovery support

▢ Medical response during emergencies

▢ Medication reminders

▢ Picking up items that have fallen

▢ Proprioception awareness to enhance spatial awareness

▢ Retrieving emergency medication or water

▢ Fetching medical equipment or mobility aids (wheelchair, cane, walker, grabber, etc)

▢ Staying with the owner until help arrives

These tasks significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, providing practical assistance and emotional support.