Can a Service Dog Help Cope with Crohn's?

Service dogs are specially trained to help people with disabilities, including people with Crohn's disease.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service dogs are allowed in public places like restaurants, schools, stores, and airplanes. Service dogs offer emotional support and can help with important tasks that are challenging during episodes of pain or fatigue.  Typical daily tasks that a service dog can be trained to help with  are:

• Carrying heavy items like backpacks or books
• Opening doors
• Switching lights on and off
• Fetching items such as a cellphone 
• Reminding to take a medication

Some patients report that their dogs also can recognize symptoms of a flare, sometimes before their owner does.  Another important benefit of service dogs is that they encourage their owners to be more active. Like all dogs, service dogs need exercise and playing with their owner outdoors is a great way to get it.

Determining whether a service animal is right for your child also requires careful consideration of whether your family is ready to take on the costs, new routines, veterinary care, and special training required to integrate a dog successfully into your home. 

To find out if a service dog might be right for your family, talk to your doctor and consult an accredited member of  Assistance Dogs International.