Wondering… Why Do Service Dogs Wear Googles?
Why do service dogs wear goggles? Service dogs may wear goggles for the same reasons that people do, eye protection. To basically protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays, from environmental elements, and from different situations that may be prone to risk sensitive and irreplaceable eyes.
Some Reasons Service Dogs May Wear Goggles:
Service Dogs May Wear Goggles Because of the Sun
Service dogs may wear goggles to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays – UV rays can give a dog a sunburn on their eyelids and cause other sun-related eye conditions, including blindness.
Service Dogs & Twigs, etc.
Service dogs may wear goggles to protect their eyes from twigs, branches, bushes, sharp grass, heavily forested areas, and anything else that would damage an eye, depending on their environment.
Dogs & Car Rides
Service dogs may wear goggles for eye protection if they have a habit of sticking their head out the window on the highway in the car. Goggles can protect sensitive eyes from the wind. When was the last time you drove down the highway without a windshield?
Service dogs may wear goggles when riding in a sidecar, to protect their eyes from the wind. And while it’s not nice to think about, it’s good to be prepared in case you’re ever involved in a collision with your dog in the car: Car Crash Preparedness with Service Dogs.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? Bugs
Service dogs may wear goggles to protect their eyes from bees, bugs, and flying objects.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? Dust
Service dogs may also wear goggles to protect their eyes from dust and dirt, pollution, and other irritants in the air.
Eye Problems per Breed
Certain dog breeds are prone to dry eyes, eye allergies, and other eye conditions, especially dogs that are smaller and who are often closer to the ground.
Other dogs are prone to other eye conditions and diseases that are made worse by too many UV rays.
Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and other breeds that have prominent eyes are much more susceptible to abrasions, ulcers, and cuts.
Sun exposure can worsen an autoimmune disease known as pannus, especially in German Shepherds and Greyhounds.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? Wind
The wind is a real concern, and can blow all kinds of things around through the air, and potentially into service dogs’ eyes, such as sand, dirt, dust, and many other things.
Service dogs are hard-working creatures, and being a service dog is often a full-time job for them.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? Children
Children have been known to poke dogs in the eye, and service dogs are often in places such as malls and grocery stores, where children may not know better and may injure a dog’s eyes before the handler has time to react.
Service dogs are generally allowed to go anywhere the public can go, and children are found, well, almost anywhere. Read more about the service dog public access ADA laws.
Children are found especially at places where people would like to go with their service dog, such as to a zoo, aquarium, Disneyland, or anywhere else.
Children may end up unsupervised around swimming pools, and a service dog may be hit by splashing water, or worse, a child intentionally throwing something at the service dog.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? To Extend Life
Service dogs are an expensive, and necessary investment for a lot of people. Protecting their eyes with goggles can help lead to a long, healthy life for the dog’s eyes, and avoid unnecessary vet trips.
Goggles can help protect a dog’s eyes from sparks, projectiles, and excessive heat.
Why do Service Dogs Wear Goggles? Water Sports
Any dog needs eye protection whenever they would be exposed to high-velocity winds or water, or any situation when flying debris would be a possibility. This may happen by kayaking, riding in an ATV, riding in a fast boat, for example.
Hospital or Lab Environments
People often take their service dogs to work. A service dog may be working in an environment where chemicals are often found, such as in a hospital or lab. Check out my ADA Workplace Accommodation article to learn more about that.
Harsh Lighting
Many fluorescent and overhead lights are harsh on the eyes, such as the ones found in malls, schools, and hospitals.
Schools & Universities
Many people take their service dog to school (university) and may need to enter into a chemical lab, biology class, or another type of class; eye protection for the service dog would definitely be necessary here.
Other students may attend mechanical or woodworking classes, and the service dog would need protection from flying debris.
Beaches
Service dogs are allowed on beaches, and sand can definitely fly into their eyes on any beautiful beach. Tips for taking your dog to the beach.
Where to Get Service Dog Goggles?
One option for dog goggles, and they just might be the best dog goggles in the world, is made by a company called Rex Specs. Rex Specs dog goggles offer the best quality UV protection and protection from debris for any dog’s eyes.
They offer custom-designed frames and lenses, that are paired with a secure and adjustable strap system. This ensures a stable and comfortable fit on any dog. Unofficially known as, “The Ray-bans of Dog Goggles,” you can’t go wrong if you need goggles for your dog of any kind, for a service dog, or even for an emotional support dog.
Rex Specs Goggles Feature:
- Breathable Mesh – This allows for maximum airflow and quick draining when they’re used in water or wet environments
- Durable Frame – Rex Specs dares you – “Try to break it”
- Foam Edges – Provide tight seal and maximum comfort
- Impact Resistant – Polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant and also shatter-proof
- Spherical Lens – Allows excellent field of view and optical clarity. It also provides ample room inside the goggle for ventilation and whiskers
- The Strap System – Is fully adjustable & dynamic. It allows stability and full range of motion. Tailored fit for every dog
- UV 400 – All lenses are rated UV400, blocking 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays
- Water Friendly – Built for use in water. The goggles allow water in and out easily. You can hand wash them and hang to dry
- Check out Rex Specs for the best dog goggles in the world
Conclusion
Why do service dogs wear goggles? Service dogs wear goggles for the same reasons that people wear goggles or sunglasses, to protect the eyes.
Eyes are precious, sensitive, and irreplaceable. Service dogs are often working full-time, and spend a lot of time outdoors, many times when it’s constantly bright.
In addition, service dogs are allowed to go anywhere the public is generally allowed, and this includes a wide variety of environments.
Some of the most important reasons to protect a service dog’s eyes are from the UV rays from the sun, from children intentionally poking a dog in the eyes, and from any general potential danger that could be lurking pretty much anywhere.
Related Articles:
- Cost of a Service Dog, Pros & Cons, is it Right for You?
- Where to Buy Service Dog Vests & Gear
- Psychiatric Service Dog Training – Tactile Stimulation & More
Sam is an experienced writer, advocate for people with disabilities and mental health, dog lover, artist, philosopher, and generally complicated human being.
