How do you counsel patients with epilepsy who are interested in purchasing a seizure dog?

I recommend getting a dog because it can enhance their quality of life, similar to enjoying a glass of wine or relaxing in a Jacuzzi :-). However, I do not consider it as a medical treatment so it should be at their expense.

Generally, in our area, the wait for a professionally trained dog is quite long (several years), and they are quite expensive. Some of the trainers may have more or less professional experience than others. I agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last that dogs are very therapeutic from an emotional wellness st...

One of my patients had a seizure and her "seizure dog" startled and bit her entire face requiring multiple surgeries. Her life is forever ruined. I never recommended a "seizure dog" after that.

I agree that dogs can be great for quality of life but am also unsure how to gauge their utility, especially when they are not formally trained.

I am following up with interest as I have recently been asked to write a letter supporting a patient who has a dog and is moving into housing with limitati...

A couple of my patients have seizure dogs and they are helpful in alerting caregivers when they have seizures, but there is a long waiting list and only a few places that can train them. If insurance pays for it, for select patients, it certainly enhances the quality of life.

In addition to what Dr. @Dr. First Last wrote, I often provide patients with this link where they can find out more information and access resources to learn more about how to get and train a seizure dog.

Reviewed by Kiriakopoulos, Epilepsy Foundation 2019.

I do not have experience with "seizure dogs" and have not had any patients who had one. I have read that they can be very effective in alerting their companion to an imminent seizure when they have been well-trained. The cost was mentioned, and of course, has to be a significant consideration. I won...