We at the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida
get numerous requests about "seizure dogs". We wanted
to give you information, and answer your questions.
Interest in "seizure dogs" first came about
in the 1980's when the news media picked up on a story that a woman's
dog seemed to know when she was going to have a seizure. Since then
the publics interest in "seizure dogs" has grown and created
a demand for information, and how to get a dog. Let us investigate
the "seizure dog" to see what it is all about.
In the late 1990's the Epilepsy Association of Central
Florida and other Florida Epilepsy Service Providers assisted the
University of Florida in a study about the reported activities of
"seizure dogs". Clients of the Epilepsy Services Program
of Florida with dogs were requested to complete a survey. Dr. Roger
Reep, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of physiological
sciences at the University of Florida in 1998 surveyed 77 people
between the ages of 30 and 60 who had epilepsy. Most of the people
responding had dogs for companionship, 3 out of 31 felt their dogs
seemed to know when they were going to have a seizure (10%) while
another 28% said their dogs stayed with them when the had a seizure.
He concluded that reports should be viewed as credible, but with
caution.
Based on these findings, and others, maybe the term
seizure assistance dog would be more valid at this time. There have
been many reports of dogs assisting someone during a seizure, such
as alerting families of child when having a seizure, or lying on
someone having a seizure to prevent injury. Dogs have been trained
for many years to be assistance dogs to people with disabilities,
and with seizures this would also be true. Dogs can be trained to
seek help, sound an alarm, keep a person out of harms way, etc.
However, research is still mixed on whether a dog can be trained
to forewarn of an impending seizure. Most incidences of this type
behavior in dogs is seen when someone has had a relationship with
their dog, and their dog may have developed a sense enabling them
to pick up on subtle changes in behavior of their master.
Studies continue, an English study in 1999 reported
in the European Journal of Epilepsy "Seizures" in fact
showed that they were able to train people and dogs to work together
with the results that "some" dogs could warn of pending
seizures through a reward-based conditioning system. In all these
surveys and studies no breed of dog outshines any other.
The Epilepsy Foundation of America and the Epilepsy
Association of Central Florida highly recommends you give great
care when looking into a "seizure dog", and any claims
a trainer may make. Be aware of the difference in assistance dog
versus seizure warning dog if you are going to make an investment.
Research is promising that this phenomenon exist, but whether or
not you can train a dog to be sold for warning of impending seizures
the jury is still out.
FAQ's about "seizure dogs"
Q. What is a "seizure dog"?
A. A "seizure dog" is a dog that
is reported to be trained (or has learned) to respond to a seizure,
or warn of an impending seizure in someone who has epilepsy.
back to FAQs
Q. Do dogs have seizures?
A. Yes. It is usually treated with the same
medication that people use to control seizures.
back to FAQs
Q. How can I get a "seizure
dog"?
A. There are many trainers that claim to offer
"seizure dogs". Use caution and care. There are many claims
from trainers, and dogs can cost thousands of dollars. Know the
difference in what you seek, a seizure assistance dog or one whose
claim is the animal is trained to forewarn of impending seizures.
More research is needed to sport the claims of the later. It is
our recommendation to seek a dog for companionship first, get close
to it, work with them, and see if this skill develops.
back to FAQs
Q. Does a dog have a second
sense to know when someone is going to have a seizure?
A. It has been suggested that the dog can
pick up on subtle changes in behavior or the sent of the owner before
a seizure occurs. However, now one knows and research continues.
back to FAQs
Q. Are "seizure dogs"
for real?
A. Yes, studies and research show promise
that this phenomenon exists. Some are trying to take a dog and pair
it with a person having seizures. When a seizure occurs the dog
is rewarded. After a while the dog may seek the reward prior to
the seizure thus showing a special sense. However, most of the reported
cases are from owners who had a dog for companionship first and
the dog later developed this sense on their own.
Dogs can be trained to assist a person during or
after a seizure, and even warn others. One researcher shared that
about 1 in 10 may have the innate ability to forewarn.
back to FAQs
Q. What is your opinion
on "seizure dogs"?
A. We have heard great reports on our clients
and other people with epilepsy and their dogs. Great promise is
shown and research says this ability does exist. The big question
is what do you expect from the dog. Do you want one to forewarn
of oncoming seizures or one to assist and alert during a seizure?
We feel the investment in the later wiser until further research
can be done on whether or not a dog can be trained to tell of a
seizure in advance.
Getting a dog for either a pet, companionship,
or assistance is a major and life long decision. Remember, the dog
is a living creature and not a commodity to be purchased and returned
if the purchaser isn't satisfied.
For further information on seizure dogs or any aspect of epilepsy
feel free to contact us.
back to top
|
