While there is little disagreement among clinicians that dogs can provide emotional support to persons with epilepsy, there is no evidence in the medical literature that dogs are able to sense impending epileptic seizures. Nevertheless, there is a growing interest in exploring the use of trained canine assistants for patients with epilepsy.

For example, under their "umbrella of epilepsy care" programs, UCB Pharma, Inc., of Atlanta, underwrites a program with Canine Assistants that provides trained dogs to patients with epilepsy whose physicians can provide verification of need. According to Rich Denness, Vice President and General Manager, CNS Business, UCB, Inc. "Though UCB Pharma does not train or match patients with dogs, under sponsorship, UCB, Inc. will provide for the care, training and lifetime veterinary costs for dogs given to epilepsy patients."

There are two types of dogs that are being used to assist patients with epilepsy -- those that recognize and warn of an impending or ongoing seizure, called seizure alert dogs; and those that remain with the person to assist with the aftermath of a seizure activity, called seizure response dogs.

Placing Dogs with Applicants

According to Gary Arnold, CFO, of Canine Assistants, “Most of the dogs are bred here and they start training as early as two days after birth. Just by holding a puppy in certain positions and observing their interaction with people, trainers can determine if the puppy has the personality to be a good service dog. By six weeks of age the puppies have been introduced to 20 commands; by eight to nine months they know all the commands. And at approximately 18 months they are ready to be awarded to patients.”

Arnold added, "At that point we invite applicants to come meet the dogs. They spend about two weeks in Atlanta and very often it isn’t just the patient or family choosing the dog, the dog chooses the family. It is inevitably a good match. There is a bonding with the recipient. And we think it helps those with epilepsy overcome social barriers," he said.

One major advantage pointed out by those who provide service dogs is the ability of dogs to work with young children. “We hear that parents can stay in their own bedrooms at night and not worry about their children. They can count on the dog getting help for their child. By licking or nudging, sometimes seizure alert dogs will give a signal between 10 and 40 minutes prior to a seizure. However, we have no idea what it is that they are sensing. We like to think of this as umbilical cord training,” he said.

Though some physicians disagree that dogs can sense a seizure and, as such, find the term "seizure alert dogs" to be misleading, they cautiously acknowledge, however, that such dogs can be emotional supports particularly those dogs which are trained at reputable organizations.

Although the scientific jury is still out regarding seizure alert dogs, many people with epilepsy or parents of children with epilepsy would like to own one.  There are organizations, such as The Delta Society that provide guidelines as to what to expect in a seizure dog. However, it is often best to discuss the need for a dog and the organization with one's own physician. For further information and additional resources, please go to: http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1084289240.html

Edited by Steven C. Schachter, MD