Hey! I’m new to this blog forum. I was recently diagnosed 2 1/2 months ago. I was wondering if there was a time limit on how long you needed diabetes in order to get a dog. Also, my husband and I live in a condo that doesn’t allow pets. I assume this would be an exception? If anyone knows, let me know. Thanks.
Do you have lots of lows and can’t feel them coming on? That’s the biggest reason to have an alert dog. I’m just surprised if you do have lots of lows, because it’s rare in a newbie.
That being said, the longer you stay low, the less you will be able to tell when you are going low or are low. It’s called “hypoglycemic blindness.” The best way to get out of that cycle is to get your blood glucose up (sometimes even a little high) and eliminate lows.
Over time, many diabetics lose the ability to tell when they are going low. That’s why I test and many of us have CGMs. The CGM can often alert you that you’re headed down and you can take steps to stop the plummeting BG. Alert dogs can tell when you’re going low, too–but I don’t have to feed my CGM Purina!
Oh those are good points. I don’t think I have problems knowing when I get low. It’s mainly when I get high, unfortunately. I just don’t always know it. Anyway, I don’t have a CGM yet, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be a cyborg (as my uncle says) 
I just do MDI currently. I probably am not in need of it, after all
Any agency that places diabetes scent-trained alert dogs might require x-number of months with diabetes just so the dog handler can confidently take on learning a new skill, teaming with a dog, without being overwhelmed with learning to live with diabetes, not a small task in and of itself. That being said, I live with a hypo-alert dog and it is one of the best decisions I’ve made regarding my diabetes. I also use a pump and a CGM. I believe multiple redundant safety systems reduce risk the most. The dog is not perfect and you must respond to all his/her needs, adding to your responsibilities. The skill and loving presence of a great dog is invaluable to me. The dog’s collateral benefit of social/emotional support is no small thing when also dealing with diabetes.
I say, learn as much as you can about diabetes and if, after a good six months you still want to pursue a dog, then go for it. Please understand that arranging for a dog is not a simple/small task to accomplish. The training value investment of a good quality diabetes alert dog runs in the tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of securing a a dog can run from a few hundred dollars in training fees to $20k-$25k USD.
If you’re serious about this goal for the long term you may inquire with service dog breeding agencies ( two I am familiar with are Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) and Canine Companions for Independence (CCI)). Both are located in the SF Bay Area. The breeding agency will often offer to place that dog with you if the dog does not make it through all the training. The wash-out rate of the dogs is high enough to make it possible for puppy-raisers and foster volunteers to receive a well-bred, socialized, and highly obedient dog; the perfect dog for diabetes scent training.
The Americans with Disabilities Act can smooth the way for keeping a dog in a housing complex with a “no pet” policy.
Thank you so much for that into! That helped a ton. I think the best thing to do is to wait. I’m impatient as a person, but this will be good for me. Plus, who knows if I can afford it. Haha
The dog would be an exception, yes. You may have to show paperwork of some sort as too many people claim their dog is a service dog when it isn’t now days.
My apartment does allow dogs, but charges pet rent and extra fees - which are waived in the case of assistance dogs.
Gotcha. Good to know. Thanks!
While I truly believe that having a DAD can improve the quality of life of a PWD (and dogs [and cats] are humans’ best friends), a Dexcom CGM system (barring technical failure) works 24/7, costs less, doesn’t eat, pee, or poop, and is statistically more swift and accurate than a DAD. My daughter has the best of both worlds: a Dexcom and a beloved (non-DAD) doggie (and 2 physics-savvy cats).
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I think that’s pretty common. Depending upon the situation and how high I’ve gone, it’s not necessarily something I can tell either.
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I guess one can call me a “DAM” (Diabetes Alert Mom) because I can usually “sense” when my daughter is low (I can’t get her to do any housework regardless of incentive), and I know when she is over 280 (her eyes turn completely black, she exhales steam, and I fear for my life in the event I accidentally take a step off the eggshells). But her Dexcom still beats me, hands down.
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Yes, that’s probably a mark I can usually detect myself as well. Dry eyes and short temper!
Awe man. That’s interesting.
If you live in Canada you can check out Lions Club Guide Dogs, that are no cost to the approved recipient: About Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides - Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Dang. I wish I lived in Canada!
Hi! I have had t1 for 32 years and would strongly recommend learning diabetes control based on listening to your bodies warning signs and also how you feel when things are “right.” These signs will change as you age. It has taken years just to figure out the perfect diet and food combinations that work best for my body. If you learn that you have other conditions that prevent you from gaining control, I think a dog would be a wonderful tool.
Hmm. Yeah I’m kind of learning the ways of my body. It can handle bread more than noodles. But it’s probably because I’ve exposed my body to it. And for the dog, I might wait until I hit more spikes
Here is a bit of info: http://www.diabetesalertdogalliance.org/
It wouldn’t hurt to find a local Lions Club and talk to them about DADs. There is a bit of a link in the US as the Lions are involved with training guide dogs for people who are blind. Maybe a Lions Club could help you with fundraising or maybe you could talk to someone at national level and see if you can urge them to expand their guide dog training to include DADs as well. Sounds as if you are happy to wait for a DAD, so you have time to see about getting one that is not going to cost thousands…as if having T1D is not a financial burden enough already! Best of luck to you.
I am in the process of getting a Diabetic Alert Dog. I’ve been a diabetic for 45 years and no longer feel my highs or lows, so this dog will provide a great benefit for me! Since these dogs are service dogs, you should be allowed to bring them anywhere, including your apartment. I’m going through Diabetic Alert Dogs of America (www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com). They have many different options for getting and paying for a dog. When and if you decide you want one, check them out.