Sunday, March 24, 2013

Service Dog Supplies Can Provide Your Every Need

By Jill Faulkner


With such an increase in therapy and working dogs of all kinds, the range of service dog supplies is ever-expanding. A wide variety of items is now available to cater for all requirements. The daily tasks of you and your companion can be made easier with some of these items.

Guide dogs have been around for a long time and are generally recognised and given free access to public places. However, for therapy and service dogs, access to many places is easier with some form of identification. Plastic ID cards are useful. These show a colour picture of the dog together with its name and the name of its owner. Other identifying information is also included. Legislation regarding service dogs is found on the back.

Also useful is a travel tag. This clearly states the official standing of your companion. White lettering on a red background makes the tag highly visible. Patches are available to be placed on harnesses or vests with heavy-duty Velcro, alerting others as to the standing of your friend. Some are black with yellow writing. They may be reflective.

When it comes to vests and harnesses the choice is endless. There is even an oxygen tank backpack harness for those who need to take portable oxygen with them when they go out. This unit will accommodate standard M6 cylinders with regulators. Two adjustable girth straps and a chest strap prevent the tanks from moving around. Standard units fit a girth measurement of 30 to 38 inches.

For those who depend on their dogs to provide balance and stability when standing or walking, a mobility harness will be ideal. Padded chest straps and back plates give comfort to the dog and the handle is firmly attached to the back plate. A window pocket carries an ID card and several D-rings will also prove useful.

Vests come in many types and sizes and may be made of a variety of materials. PVC backing gives extra toughness and durability. Wide girth and chest straps are fully adjustable. Sheepskin padding is available. D-rings on some make them suitable for those in wheelchairs who need assistance moving. Detachable bags are designed to take papers, a medical kit, wallet and phone. Some have reflective webbing for night use. Most have a pocket to take an ID card.

Harness vests are often lined for extra comfort. Sheepskin or a quilted fabric may be used. The latter is cooler for the dog. Backpack bags can be hooked to the frame. An attachment at the base prevents empty bags from flying around on a windy day. Heavy-duty zippers are used. The bags fit over existing handles and D-rings. Nylon netting pouches on the outside allow easy access to needed items.

Other useful items in the range of service dog supplies are a reflective safety vest and a non-spill water bowl. For maximum visibility, a reflective safety vest is a must. This is made in bright orange fabric with a fleece lining. The stitched webbing is also highly reflective. This can be purchased in a range of sizes. The water bowl is ingeniously designed and features a floating plate which lets enough water through for a drink but stops the flow if there is a surge of water on braking or cornering. Your companion will be able to drink as he wishes throughout a road trip. The bowl is made from toughened polypropylene. It is easily taken apart for cleaning.




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