The process of recovery from a serious and debilitating injury can be traumatic and take much more time than you originally thought. As well as experiencing pain from your injury, you might also be feeling desperate or impatient to be completely recovered.
However, it might not be all bad when you are blessed with the presence of an assistance dog. These trained canines have proved time and again that they are a transformative force when it comes to recovery as they offer everything from physical assistance, emotional support and constant companionship.
Physical assistance
It is, frankly, incredible what assistance dogs can do. Those who offer physical support can help those with serious injuries by retrieving things that might have been dropped, opening doors and helping with the patient’s mobility in general.
Such dogs can increase a patient’s independence as they might no longer need any other external assistance. They effectively demolish that sense of guilt that some patients might feel and provide all-rounded assistance to aid a speedier recovery.
Mental and emotional support
Anyone who has a dog – not necessarily an assistance dog – will know how invaluable they can be when it comes to emotional support. Those who are feeling low due to their injury can reap the extensive benefits of having a cheery companion whose love is unconditional.
Having an assistant dog can also distract you from the very hard process of recovery. By playing, cuddling and enjoying everyday moments with them, you will be aware of the needs of another living being. Indeed, the presence of a furry friend has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), thereby improving mental wellbeing and aiding the recovery process.
Additional support
While medical assistance dogs provide indispensable support, a holistic approach to rehabilitation should also include exploring other avenues for additional help. Therapeutic interventions, such as counselling and physiotherapy, can complement the assistance provided by service dogs. Specialist injury solicitors can also assist individuals in navigating the legal complexities involved in making amputation claims and other serious injuries, ensuring they receive the compensation needed for ongoing medical care and support services.
Looking after your service dog
Care is a two-way street and it’s important you make your dog feel loved and valued too. Their wellbeing is instrumental to your recovery, so be sure to take them to the vet regularly, feed them a balanced diet and train them when possible. Recognising the physical and emotional needs of the service dog is fundamental to maximising their potential in aiding the recovery journey.
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