New Seizure Dog Information
by Jen Hutchison
One of the newest concepts in service dogs – seizure alert dogs – is becoming more and more popular in Canada and around the world. Epilepsy Ontario, in aiming to raise awareness about these dogs, will soon be producing a brochure that will discuss the pros and cons of service dogs and explain the restrictions that apply to the different organizations which provide them.
The pamphlet will cover the 'need-to-know' basics and answer frequently asked questions to help you decide whether a seizure alert dog is right for you. The brochure explains what the dogs do and briefly covers the commonly used breeds and both the advantages and disadvantages of each. It discusses travel issues as well as costs and funding opportunities. In addition it provides information on international training organizations in Canada, the United States and Eastern Europe.
The purpose of a seizure alert dog is primarily to help people with epilepsy. They do this either by protecting them, helping them to avoid injury from wandering, or even by going to get help. Contrary to popular belief, the dogs cannot be trained to detect oncoming seizures. While it is true that some dogs seem to be able to sense their owner's seizures before onset it is rare. The reasoning behind this early detection is yet to be determined.
In the meantime you can contact the following organizations for more information:
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