Seizure Response Dogs Provide an Essential Sense of Control and Independence.
Seizure Response Dogs work for their partners by responding once a seizure happens. There are a number of different responses available, and the training reflects the needs of the client. Seizure Response Dogs are not only capable of performing tasks to keep their people safe, they can provide an essential sense of control and independence. Some of the most common tasks a seizure response dog performs are:
Break a fall to avoid head trauma
Provide guardianship/safety during a seizure
Retrieve and/or carry necessary medication on command
Alert the public there is a person with a medical condition
Press a button to turn off dangerous appliances during a seizure
Hold the person in a safe position for the duration of the seizure
Go to family members/teachers/roommates for help in case of an emergency
Guardianship for children often allows them to feel safe and confident in public places, encouraging them to form relationships with their peers. Many of our clients, adults and children, develop a feeling of empowerment with their service dog; they now have the tools necessary to prevent or recover from a seizure. Clients often tell us they are now enjoying camping trips, school programs, sporting events, and the park; all outings they were not comfortable with before their service dogs.
Loki has been a life changer! When we practice seizure episodes, he goes into action at a moment's notice, and it doesn't matter how tired he is or how many distractions there are. I've learned the importance of setting the tone in the beginning. If I'm entering a busy bar with loud music, a packed dance floor, and small walkways, I like to bend over and give Loki a hug and tell him he's good and okay. He'll boom with confidence knowing he's doing the right thing after that. If I'm going to a toy store with lots of plushies that isn't busy, then I know I need to set the tone by being as strict as possible so he doesn't try to get at the toys. Setting the tone is a strategy that works great for Loki and I as a team.
- Drew & Loki
Empowering Children and Adults with Seizure Disorders
IN CHILDREN
It is not uncommon for children to have a difficult time while more detailed diagnoses are being made and medications are being adjusted, especially through puberty. In addition to developing a fear of having a seizure in public or in front of their peers, young seizure disorder patients sometimes have difficulty dealing with repeated hospital and doctor trips. Our seizure response dogs can help by preventing further damage or injury by breaking a fall, keep the child safe during/after a seizure, and give the child confidence, and provide a coping mechanism for the child during tough times.
IN ADULTS
Clients who contact us regarding seizure response dogs want to regain their independence and feel empowered to move forward with their lives while coping with a diagnosis of Epilepsy or another seizure disorder. It is essential they have access to their medications, or are able to move through a store or workplace without worrying about regaining consciousness in a dangerous environment. Because the progression of each client's seizures are different, there are numerous solutions to common hurdles many adult Epilepsy patients face.
