There have been numerous studies carried out that shows dogs and animals in general help alleviate stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure of hospitalized chronically ill patients. But what can a fibromyalgia service dog for you and are they a suitable addition to your life?

First of all having any pet requires commitment on behalf of the owner. Dogs can live for 10 –15 years and they need to be feed, groomed, exercised and loved. You’ll also need to ensure that your garden, if you have one, is fully fenced and dangerous household items are placed out of dog-reach.

Service dogs for fibromyalgia sufferers is not uncommon, however you will need to be legally recognized as having a disability under the ADA of 1990 (Americans with Disabilities Act) before you can apply for one.

If you already have the necessary disability paperwork you’ll need to fill in forms at your chosen service dog center and be prepared for a long wait, there can be long waiting lists. It can also be an expensive procedure so ensure you understand what costs are involved.

There may be the possibility of disability insurance covering all or some of the costs involved, so it pays to do some investigation into this first.

Think about too, what you need your service dog for. Retrievers are common service dogs as they take well to training and can do things like retrieve items, help with household tasks, open doors and turn off and on light switches. All of which would be a great help if your mobility is impaired.

But they also provide more than practical help, service dogs can provide a reason for getting up in the morning and help patients become more active. Having a constant companion can ease pain, as a dog gives you focus away from the pain and they have shown to improve energy levels and sense of well being.

Smaller breeds are also being used as service dogs, but for very different reasons – their body heat.

One sufferer with fibromyalgia, Nancy Gordon was introduced to a Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo (small Mexican hairless dog) and found that within 15 minutes of the dog lying on her wrists the pain with gone. Xolo’s are renowed for their exceptional body heat and she went on to have one as a service dog, trained to lie around her neck and shoulders. You can vist Nancy’s site here:www.pawsforcomfort.com

For information about natural methods of treating fibromyalgia symptoms continue reading and sign up for the free newsletter below.

To find a dog trainer in your area visit The American Dog Trainers Network that lists dog trainers by state.

About The Author

Sign up for Jane Thompson’s free Fibromyalgia newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Fibromyalgia Service Dog at http://www.eliminatefibromyalgia.com?source=is

There are non-prescription, natural options for treating stones or an infection in bladder of dogs. If your dog has ever suffered from the painful symptoms of bladder blockage, needing to go all the time and struggling or feeling pain during urination, then it has certainly been an issue for you. Though the condition can be terribly uncomfortable, there are safe, gentle options for treatment which can not only ease symptoms but improve your dog’s overall health.

Crystals or stones can build up easily in the urinary tract or in bladder of dogs. This leaves your dog vulnerable to recurring bladder problems. The first step in treating crystals in your dog’s bladder is understanding what causes them.

Canine struvite stones occur most frequently in dogs and they are usually caused by urinary tract infection. Canine oxalate bladder stones, on the other hand, are caused by a build up of calcium in the blood stream.

No matter which kind of stones your dog experiences, your dog is going through considerable pain and discomfort. If you want to know how to treat crystals in bladder of dogs without further exacerbating the problem, then the answer is homeopathic remedies. Using a special blend of plant based ingredients, these all natural products can help to ease symptoms and strengthen the immune system to improve overall health.

In order to be completely effective, homeopathic remedies must be implemented as part of a healthy daily routine. Feeding your dog a special diet low in certain minerals and proteins can help to balance pH levels in urine and encourage stones to dissolve naturally, avoiding the necessity for surgery.

Along with a proper diet, free of additives and preservatives, one answer as to treating crystals in bladder of dogs is by ensuring he is well hydrated. Your dog needs reliable access to a clean water source. Water is vital to flushing the toxins out of your dog’s system. Exercise is also extremely important as it helps to keep the entire body functioning properly. So too is proper hygiene since regular bathing and brushing can stop the spread of bacteria.

The other step in treating crystals in dog bladder is to make sure your dog urinates regularly. Holding it in can cause serious urinary tract damage, so you should always heed the signs that your dog needs to go out. The more vigilant you are about this, the less of a chance there is that your dog will develop crystals or other urinary tract problems.

So what about treating an infection in bladder of dogs? Homeopathic remedies are made from 100% natural ingredients. These products can work to alleviate painful symptoms without subjecting your dog to harsh side effects. Natural ingredients have healing antiseptic and antibacterial properties which help to soothe and protect the urinary tract while naturally ridding it of blockage.

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