FAQs — Lone Star Diabetic Alert Dogs

Question 1

What are Diabetic Alert Dogs?

Accepted Answer

A Diabetic Alert Dog is a service dog that has been trained to alert diabetic handlers in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar levels before they become dangerous, so the diabetic can take the necessary steps to avoid a problem by taking glucose or insulin depending on the situation. Our dogs are trained to specifically react to the chemical change in the diabetic. Through our training program, these amazing animals provide emotional security that leads to a more confident, independent lifestyle for the diabetic and their family.

Question 2

Why alert dogs?

Accepted Answer

A dog has over 225 million scent receptors whereas a human has only 5 million, making a canine's sense of smell over 100,000 times more sensitive. One eighth of a canine's brain is comprised of the olfactory bulb. This anatomy, along with a canine's natural drive and hunt instincts, enables us to train a dog to differentiate distinct scents. Our bodies are a unique makeup of organic chemicals — all of which have specific smells. Low and high blood sugar levels cause a release of chemicals in the body that have a distinct odor undetectable by humans but very distinct to dogs.

Question 3

How effective are Diabetic Alert Dogs?

Accepted Answer

Right away you can expect a 70%+ accuracy, but the more you bond with your DAD the higher that percentage climbs. By putting in the time and following our guidelines, obtaining a 99% accuracy is achievable! Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to be incredibly accurate, but these are not machines. They are not perfect and will miss some alerts. Your Diabetic Alert Dog should be considered an extremely important backup tool to your normal diabetes management — not a replacement for your meter.

Question 4

Will I have to check my blood sugar as often?

Accepted Answer

Having a Diabetic Alert Dog will require you to test more often than most. Along with the usual times that you check, you will also be required to check every time your dog alerts you. A Diabetic Alert Dog is NOT a replacement for your meter and should never be relied upon as your only tool to manage your diabetes!

Question 5

How are the dogs trained?

Accepted Answer

Here at Lone Star Diabetic Alert Dogs, LLC, we train our dogs at our facility. We are a team of trainers, veterinarians, and pet experts who ensure that our canines learn the necessary skills as service dogs. We only use positive reinforcement to prevent the development of any behavioral problems. Unlike many other programs, our dogs are trained by a Type 1 diabetic with the assistance of their own service dog. Our canines are exposed to the diabetic scent from day one and trained not only on frozen scent samples but also on daily real-time alerts. Finding a diabetic scent means fun and food for the dogs, so it is freely given as a response to the scent. Once an alert is confirmed by a finger prick test, the dog enjoys a treat, praise, toy, or game.

Question 6

Are Diabetic Alert Dogs a substitute for medical care?

Accepted Answer

No. Our diabetic alert dogs are not a substitute for proper medical care. On top of the assistance you will get from your alert dog, it is important to continue your medication and consultation with a doctor. And just like humans, DADs need rest and care too, so they will remain healthy and efficient.

Question 7

How long is the inquiry process?

Accepted Answer

Once we receive your complete inquiry, it usually takes 2–3 weeks to process, at which time we will call you for a phone interview and review the inquiry and ask additional questions. At that time, we usually let you know if you have been pre-approved, but there are times we need to send your inquiry for board approval, which may take an additional week. Once pre-approved, we require that you come to our facility for a meet and greet for final approval. On average, it is usually a 12–18 month process from start to finish. However, at times we try to keep some dogs in training that are close to graduation — if that is the case, you could possibly have one within 3–6 months of approval.

Question 8

Do I have to live in a certain area?

Accepted Answer

We are currently accepting inquiries from handlers who live within a 6-hour drive of Chattanooga, Tennessee. We will never ship a dog. All dogs must be picked up in person, and we require that you make several trips to our training facility during the training process. Lodging is available at nearby hotels.

Question 9

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. However, some health care plans do have medical spending accounts which you can draw from to offset the cost. All expenses related to your DAD are tax deductions — cost of the dog, food, training, travel to get the dog, supplies, etc.

Question 10

Can I purchase health insurance for my Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

We encourage this — we have it on our own dogs even though Ray is a veterinarian! We will be happy to provide recommendations to you. You can also buy life insurance for your canine. It is costly, but life insurance is available through Mourer Foster.

Question 11

Where can I take my Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

Your Diabetic Alert Dog is a service dog. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your Diabetic Alert Dog is allowed in any business or organization that serves the public, and they must allow your dog in any area of the facility where customers are usually allowed to go. Diabetes is a disability under this law. Your DAD can accompany you in grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, airlines, schools, health clubs, shopping malls, salons, and public transportation. Your dog will have a service vest with distinguishing patches as well as an ID card — these items are not required by law but can help make public access easier and avoid stressful conflicts. The only place they can keep a dog out is the operating room!

Question 12

Can my child take their Diabetic Alert Dog to school?

Accepted Answer

Our policy requires the diabetic/handler to be a minimum of 16 to take the dog to school. Even at this age, we are looking for a very mature diabetic who has proven they are taking control of their diabetes and is responsible enough to care for a service dog and commit to continued training. Our waiting list is long, however, so feel free to apply once your child has reached the age of 14.

Question 13

Can I cuddle, pet, and play with my Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — this is a must! This creates a bond between you and your DAD, and he or she needs love and affection in exchange for working for you. There are some restrictions we will discuss, as this is not your typical pet, but YES! Your Diabetic Alert Dog is on duty 24/7 to sniff out your blood sugar levels.

Question 14

Can strangers or visitors pet my Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

An acquaintance, stranger, or visitor may not know how to interact appropriately with a service dog, which could distract them from their job. We discourage this type of interaction but will go into further detail during your training. There are proper ways, times, and places for this to occur.

Question 15

If I have another dog, can I still have a Diabetic Alert Dog?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the situation. Our Diabetic Alert Dogs are raised around other DADs, pet dogs, cats, livestock, birds, and even wildlife. The deciding factor depends on your other dog. Does your other dog show aggression towards strange dogs? Does the other dog have bad habits such as destructive behavior, chewing, excessive barking, house training issues, guarding, digging, counter surfing, or health problems? These types of problems can distract from your service dog and teach your DAD bad behaviors. We suggest that you work with a trainer in your area to stop these behaviors prior to applying for a Diabetic Alert Dog.

Question 16

Can my Diabetic Alert Dog accompany me at work?

Accepted Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to make 'reasonable accommodations' to disabled persons to mitigate their disability. Service dogs fall into this category. Of course, each work condition is different. Certain environments would be difficult to justify a service dog as reasonable accommodation — for example, a construction worker, chef, waiter, or other fast-paced difficult environment would not be the place for a service dog. We will work with you to decide if a service dog is right for your situation.

Your Questions, Answered

About Diabetic Alert Dogs

How They Are Trained

The Inquiry Process

Living With Your DAD

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