Different types of seizures can occur and have various effects on different people. Electrical storms in the brain are a common term used to describe seizure discharges. Some people can sense when a seizure is about to start, but for others there is no warning and the seizure begins with a loss of consciousness.
The individual frequently passes out or appears disoriented and confused during a seizure. Smells, sounds, tastes, and sights may appear different to them because their senses have been altered. They might struggle to communicate and struggle to maintain control of their movements. The person may experience twitching and jerky movements or suddenly become very rigid, which could lead to a fall.
Some people recover right away after the seizure ends, while others take a few minutes or hours to feel like themselves again. A person may be slow to respond, appear perplexed, sleepy, or lightheaded. They may experience memory loss, depression, sadness, upset, fear, anxiety, or feelings of embarrassment and frustration. They may have bruises from falling or hitting objects. They might be dehydrated, experiencing a headache, or urgently needing to use the restroom.
CAN I TAKE MY Seizure ALERT DOG INTO PUBLIC PLACES?
All of CPL’s seizure alert dogs are certified service animals as outlined by the ADA’s requirements for service animals. Under this federal law, service dogs are permitted to accompany you in public, including places where dogs are not typically allowed.
How can a dog help with epileptic seizures?
According to studies, dogs can be trained to recognize a particular scent before a seizure. We at Medical Mutts have helped with the first study demonstrating the existence of a specific scent signature released during a seizure. A new study has since confirmed our findings and shown that the smell associated with seizures is indeed released prior to the seizure occurring, which is in line with our earlier research. Despite the fact that we can’t guarantee the alert due to individual differences, we have a very high success rate with our very special training techniques. The warning provides enough time for the person to lay down safely.
We can train our dogs to recognize any type of epileptic seizure because the scent released before and during a seizure is the same regardless of the seizure. The frequency of the seizures will therefore determine whether we can train a dog for you. The dogs’ ability to perform their duties will be hampered or occasionally rendered impossible by either too frequent or insufficient (less than once a month) use.
During a seizure, our seizure alert dogs will also carry out various tasks. Your specific needs and the outcome of the interview will determine which task they will learn.
A dog trained to alert to seizures can be trained to:
Our seizure alert dogs are taught all the behaviors necessary to pass the Public Access Test and meet or exceed the minimum training standards established by the International Association of Assistance Dogs Partners (IAADP), in addition to their abilities to assist with seizures. You’ll be able to travel with your service dog in safety and dependability to places like work, school, the mall, restaurants, etc.
Not everyone can obtain an epilepsy service dog. These dogs frequently have lengthy waiting lists, and training each dog costs several thousand dollars. There are other requirements too:
There are numerous expenses associated with caring for a dog, including vet bills, insurance, food, injections, toys, and other expenses. These expenses may total several thousand dollars each year.
An animal that has been trained for about two years to react when its owner has a seizure is called an epilepsy service dog. It will undergo a few more weeks of training with you after two years of training so it can become familiar with the different types of seizures you experience.
If you wish to directly purchase an epilepsy service dog, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 because of how much time it takes to train the animals. Sometimes people choose to set up a fundraising drive to help cover the cost of buying a service dog – you may be able to get support from your local community or philanthropists to pay for the animal.
An epilepsy service dog can be extremely helpful for some people. They not only assist you when you are having seizures but can also provide you with a lot of emotional support. Try discussing getting an animal with your doctor at your upcoming appointment if you’d like to learn more about your options. Â.
FAQ
How much is an epilepsy service dog?
Due to the time required to train the dogs, you can anticipate to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 if you wish to directly purchase an epilepsy service dog.
How do you qualify for a seizure alert dog?
- Be 14 years or older.
- A person must experience at least one epileptic seizure per month.
- An individual must have at least a moderate to severe bilateral hearing loss in order for the dog to be trained for hearing tasks.
What breed of dog can detect seizures?
At CPL, we primarily train Labrador retrievers as alert dogs for seizures. WHAT DOG BREED IS USED FOR ALERT DOGS FOR SEIZURES? Other breeds that we train at CPL include labradoodles, poodles, and golden retrievers.
Does insurance cover epilepsy dogs?
Costs. Seizure dogs are typically not covered by insurance, but there are some exceptions, and some states will pay all or part of the tens of thousands of dollars it can cost to get one.