Does anybody have a seizure alert service dog? If you do, how well do they help?

I have been having alot of seizures, they have been horrible. We have been trying to adjust my meds, but so far no luck. and 2 weeks ago i almost fell down a flight of steps if it wouldnt have been for someone to see me and catch me. So we are now considering getting a service dog, so even if the dog couldnt alert me, it could atleast get somebody for me or call 911. So i was just wondering if anybody has one and have they really helped you. Thanks!

Hi tos8 -- sorry about your increase in seizures.

I recorded "Dogs with Jobs" and watched one episode last week that showed a lady who got a trained dog to help her get back up when she fell. He would hold very still so she could put her weight on him and stand back up.

Turns out that he was so smart that he trained himself to alert her to when she was going to seize! She lived alone and didn't even dare to leave her trailer until she got this wonderful doggie!

Having just buried a niece last week who apparently died of a seizure (wasn't taking her meds), I would encourage you to do whatever you can to get a service dog.

Here's a website I found: http://www.4pawsforability.org/

Good luck to you in your quest!

Hi tos8,

The seizure alert dogs are great they can tell 10 min to 1 hr. before a person is going to have a sz. by a chemical our body gives off that we can't smell but the dogs can. Depending on how the dog is trained it will either bark or put its paw on you when you are going to have a sz. Also the dogs are well known for laying on the floor to protect a person if they fall during the sz.
If I may ask do you have more sz. in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer? I always have more sz. in the fall and winter and my epileptolgist told me it's because there's less light and ceritone (sp?) so try and get a bright light and see if that helps you also. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

Hi Sue. I think its a good idea then if i really look into getting a dog. Well my sz. have never been this bad, but they always do increase in the fall/winter.

Hello! I have 2 seizure alert dogs. The primary alerts me when a seizure is coming on by placing his paw on one of my thighs and refusing to remove it. When he does this, I willl have a seizure within a few hours. He will be clingy and follow me everywhere until it happens. He stays with me all the time. The other one stays with me after and acts as more of the aaftercare, or therapy dog, comforting me and trying as best he can to calm my nerves. They acy in tandem together to help me. They are currently being trained for their licensing for certified service animals. Typically, this is a very expensive program, but there is a program in my area that is doing this for free and I am very grateful for it.

That's amazing nic. Im still looking into it. The closest place I could go to is 5 hours away and I would have to stay for a week after the dog would be trained. I defently wish there was somewhere closer because its hard to travel like that. Let alone its around 7 grand.