Seizure Alert Dogs
Placement ProcessFAQs

Seizure Alert & Response Dogs

Our dogs are trained to alert to and assist after a seizure. Each case is unique depending on the types of seizures the person seeking an assistance dog experiences. Due to the wide variety of factors involved in determining how a dog can best assist the affected party, we will need to speak to you and your neurologist to gain a complete understanding of your seizures. This allows us to determine what is possible, how to train the dog to assist most effectively, and to set realistic expectations for the type of assistance a dog can provide. 

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TYPES OF SEIZURE DOGS

Seizure Alert: Gradual Escalation Seizure Activity

Some seizures, including many temporal lobe seizures, are characterized by a gradual escalation of seizure activity. This extended onset before the seizure begins to present visibly provides an opportunity for a dog to recognize the scent cue and alert, thereby providing advance notice of a seizure.
TYPES OF SEIZURE DOGS

Seizure Alert: Quick Building Seizure Activity

autism service dog little angels
Frontal lobe seizures tend to strike quickly, and do not provide a dog time to alert before the handler begins to show physical symptoms. However, in cases where seizure activity builds very quickly, the dogs can still be trained to alert during the seizure. In these situations, the dog is often taught to go and find another family member when his handler has a seizure.
TYPES OF SEIZURE ALERT DOGS

Seizure Response & Assistance

Our dogs are also trained to assist after a seizure. This is often referred to as “seizure response” training. These dogs are trained to locate and retrieve a phone for their handler to call for help if needed, or even to dial a specialized assistance dog phone, which allows the dog to call for help by pressing a button. This means the dog can call for help even if the affected party is unconscious. Dogs are also trained to help brace and balance their handler for stability after a seizure, retrieve medication, provide deep pressure therapy, or in certain cases recipients will ask that the dog be trained to retrieve a family member in another room.
autism service dog little angels
Is a Seizure Alert and Assistance Dog Right for Me?
In order to receive an Seizure Alert Dog from Little Angels, you must:
  • Have seizures more than once per month on average. This is the frequency required for a dog to learn and recognize them.
  • Have strong communication skills and the ability to be consistent with a dog regarding training and exercises.
  • Have a love for dogs.
  • Have finances to provide your dog with veterinary care and maintenance for the next 10-12 years.
  • Be willing to travel to San Diego, California or Bartlett, New Hampshire for handler training with your child and at least one additional adult to provide child care while you are in your lessons.
What if I need a seizure alert dog for my child or infant?

Due to our alert game, we can train the dog to alert to a parent that their child is going to have a seizure. No more worrying! It is such a relief for parents to know when their child is having a seizure.