Imagine having a dog that could help you become a part of the world again. Your dog becomes what is referred to as cross-trained, meaning your dog is trained to do a multitude of things and when a recipient gets their dog, they use the commands that are specific to their disability. If one lives alone, does errands alone, goes to appts alone, or when in public, should you have a cataplexy attack, your dog becomes a medical alert dog, meaning that if you are found collapsed and unresponsive, with your dog lying beside you, you are easily identified as having a medical condition and your dog wears a medical alert laminated card that hangs from her vest (along with her certification) that explains what is happening to you, and what to do, and more importantly, what not to do. But that in itself would not allow a dog to be a service dog. The dog would hear the alarm and pull the covers off you. The only way you can get a dog to wake you when you’re sleeping (when you need to get up for work, etc), you can train your dog to wake you when your alarm goes off and you don’t awaken to that. Especially since they belong in the back seat of your car, and have no way to even know if you are falling asleep. And no, your service dog doesn’t keep you awake while driving. Not really all that helpful, though, because for most of us an attack comes immediately after or during the triggering event. Of course, if laughter or some very specific things trigger your attacks, in time you can teach your dog to recognize that whenever you laugh, you’ll have an attack. Cataplexy does not cause the brain to give off any kind of warning signs. Epileptics brains actually give off signals ahead of an actual seizure, and a seizure alert dog senses those signals and is taught to tug on their owner (or exhibit some kind of sign) to warn them. Service dogs cannot predict cataplexy attacks like many who predict epileptic seizures. Snuggle, touch, companionship, increase independence, distraction Unable to wake to an alarm Alert to siren, alarm clock, fire alarm and phone ringing by pulling covers off or other meansĪdditional Information on Service dogs for narcoleptics: Retrieve items, retrieve medication, snuggle, lean, deep pressureĮmotional/Behavioral (irritability, mood swings, aggression) Physical (headaches, fatigue, tremors, decrease sleep)
Guide on stairs, balance, assist with rising and sitting
Perceptual (decrease function of five senses, decrease balance) Though the range of illnesses involving the brain is expansive, there are a few key symptoms that cross nearly all neurological diseases.Ĭognitive (poor decision making, environmental safety issues)Īlert to hazards, alert to client leaving home, alert to night awakenings Service dogs also offer companionship, decrease isolation and improve physical mobility. The goal of the service dog for such persons is to aid them in achieving as much independence as possible. Individuals experiencing this type of diagnosis can have a wide range of symptoms. Another category of neurological disorders are those which are non-progressive. Being able to stay in one’s home longer and with greater independence is priceless. Statistically once a service dog is placed, the individual is able to stay out of assisted living (nursing homes) an average of 3 years longer. The goal of the service dog for these individuals is to keep them as independent as long as possible. Such care can be expensive or if separated from loved ones, unavailable. The care giving tasks become increasingly needed from the person’s friends and family.
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