Obtaining a Seizure Response Dog
Despite the inability to pinpoint why and how seizure alert dogs do what they do, many patients and parents of epileptics want one of their own, if for no other reason other than to have an added measure of security. Thanks in part to the controversy spurred by the misdiagnosed cases of PNES, however, many medical professionals believe that more stringent requirements should be put in place regarding to whom these dogs are given and sold.
Epileptics who are fortunate enough to obtain one of these dogs (which insurance usually doesn't cover) are carefully screened to ensure that they can provide the canine with the appropriate care and attention. Owners also must be willing to make the financial commitment, including initial cost of the dog, veterinary bills and other miscellaneous costs. In addition, the dogs need continuous training to keep their skills sharp.
Although there are more than
100 organizations dedicated to training various types of service dogs in the United States,
only about 20 of them work with seizure response dogs. You can learn more at Epilepsy.com or the Canine Assistants Web site. |
Once a patient acquires a seizure alert or response dog, medical professionals caution patients and their families to remember that even though their dogs are amazing, they're still fallible. Scientists hope that more studies will be done to determine conclusively how and why some dogs have this ability, so that more epileptics will benefit from their abilities in the future.
For more information on dogs and related topics, read on to the next page.
