Certain medical issues can inhibit a person’s life and make it difficult to live a normal lifestyle. Service animals can be a great asset to these individuals because they can intervene and create a support/health system for their owner.
Individuals who suffer from seizures can feel at ease with a service animal because they have a second line of defense that has their best interest in mind. The good news? US Service Animals has your back in this guide. Learn more below.
How Service Dogs Help With Seizures
When it comes to service dogs helping with seizures, you’ll find that there are a handful of ways that they can accomplish this. Examples include:
- Providing protective warnings
- Emergency support after a seizure
- Physical protection during seizures
- Finding help when someone is having a seizure
- Giving people confidence to leave their homes with seizure disorders
These are only a few examples of how service dogs can help with seizures; US Service Animals has a comprehensive guide that covers more ways that service dogs for seizures can help.
What Is the Price of a Service Dog for Seizures?
The price for a seizure support dog can range from $15,000 to $30,000. Sometimes this price can even get as high as $50,000 for an epilepsy service dog. The price greatly depends on what breed of dog is being used and how extensive the training it will receive will be.
The main problem with obtaining one of these dogs is that health insurance companies will not cover the cost. There are some service dog training facilities that will offer the animal for no cost, but the wait list for this is very long.
You can also train a service dog yourself through our online course, which significantly reduces the costs and allows you to skip any waitlists.
What Are Service Animals Trained to Do?
Seizure alert dogs can be life-saving animals because they help their owner detect when a seizure is going to occur. There is nothing worse than living with epilepsy and never knowing when your disaster might strike.
What is really cool about these animals is that they are able to detect the onset of seizure sometimes even hours before it is going to occur. The way they do this is by noticing a change in the owner’s behavior or scent. It is amazing that an animal is able to detect something that even humans aren’t able to quite identify.
You can consider a service dog as a type of life alert. They may not always be able to detect the onset of a seizure, but they can always be there to immediately respond when one does occur.
The seizure alert dog can help retrieve a phone, or stimulate the individual when having a seizure, or even go get someone for help. As the person is recovering from their seizure, the animal can help retrieve medication or food, offer comfort, or be used as assistance to help the individual get back up.
Where Can I Get a Seizure Alert Dog?
Of all the service dog companies in the United States only about 20 offer seizure alert dogs. It can be a tricky process to obtain one, but once you have one, you will regain some of your freedom.
Imagine not having to be afraid of leaving the house anymore because you aren’t sure if you might have an episode. The good news is that US Service Animals can help you learn more about the various organizations that can help you connect with a service dog.
Service Dog for Seizures: The Bottom Line
It is possible to obtain a service dog to help you manage your seizures. Although the price may hinder you from jumping on this opportunity, there is the chance that you could get a dog for little to no cost by joining an agency wait list. The support and companionship of having one of these animals is second to none.
Experiencing a seizure is a scary thing all on its own, but not knowing if you are going to have someone around to help you is even scarier. These animals can give you the peace of mind in knowing that even if you experience an episode, you won’t be alone. There will be someone with you always waiting to jump in and help.
FAQs About Service Dogs for Seizures
If you have more questions about service dogs for seizures, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions below.
How Do I Qualify for a Service Dog for Seizures?
In order to qualify for a service dog for seizures, you need to speak with a licensed mental health professional. Thankfully, seizures are a disability that qualifies for service animals, so you shouldn’t have any issues there.
Can You Get a Free Service Dog for Seizures?
Yes, you can get a free service dog for seizures. US Service Animals can help you learn more about your options. However, there may be wait lists, and you may have to pay additional fees, like food, grooming, and other types of care.
What Does a Service Dog Do During a Seizure?
Service dogs do what they’re trained to do for a seizure. Depending on your situation, this may vary. Some seizure dogs may provide support during the seizure and help their handlers through them. On the other hand, service dogs may fetch help or inspire confidence by simply being around.
Will Insurance Cover a Service Dog for Seizures?
No, insurance will not cover a service dog for seizures. Unfortunately, this also applies to Medicaid, Medicare, and other government insurance options.