- What is a service dog for migraine?
- When to consider a service dog
- How can you get a service dog for migraine?
Dog owners know their beloved pets can be a true source of comfort during a migraine attack. They snuggle with us, keep watch over us and seem to instinctively know when we’re in pain.
But can dogs do more? Can they actually help relieve migraine pain? These furry friends can work as migraine service dogs and alert you when a migraine attack is about to strike.
What is a service dog for migraine?
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service dogs must be trained to perform tasks directly related to the person’s disability. A migraine service dog is trained to pick up the earliest signs of migraine attacks. These early signs are also called prodrome. Dogs often pick up on symptoms like fatigue, mood changes and yawning before the owner even notices the onset of migraine — up to 48 hours before.
These dogs act as an early warning system for migraine attacks. They will lick, nudge or circle their owners to warn them. The dogs are trained not to bark, which could be a trigger. Then, the owner can take action, such as taking medication, retreating to a dark and quiet room or starting a CEFALY ACUTE session.
Here are a few things you may not know about migraine service dogs:
- They are not legally required to be certified or be professionally trained. However, you should be able to control your dog at all times. If your service dog is unruly, noisy or out of control, people can legally ask you to remove your dog or leave the premises.
- They are not required to wear a service dog vest or other identification. However, if you make it clear that your dog is a service animal, bringing them into stores, restaurants and other places may be easier.
- They are not the same thing as an emotional support or comfort dog. While emotional support is vital for many people with migraine, the ADA doesn’t consider it a “task related to a person’s disability.”
How do service dogs detect a migraine attack?
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, detecting illnesses, chemical signals and even changes in emotions. Their noses are at least 100,000 times more sensitive than a human’s. Experts believe service dogs may use their incredible sense of smell to detect changes that occur before a migraine attack.
The dogs might detect subtle differences in body chemistry. They may notice shifts in your heart rate or other physical changes. A migraine service dog also detects minor behavior changes. As they spend so much time with you, they become accustomed to your migraine “tells.”
Once a service dog has identified an impending migraine attack, some of the many ways they can help you include:
- Providing deep pressure therapy and tactile stimulation: These dogs can be trained to jump on your lap or put their chin on your shoulder. They will stay there as long as you need, just providing pressure to ground you.
- Reminding you to drink water: Hydration is essential to stave off or manage migraine attacks. Migraine service dogs can remind you to drink water.
- Retrieving items: Migraine service dogs can fetch your medication, blankets, ice packs and other migraine essentials.
- Giving you balance and mobility support: Depending on the dog’s size, they can lean into you or help you move around.
When to consider a service dog
The benefits of migraine service dogs can be life-changing for people who live with this condition. However, some people may need them more than others. Consider a migraine service dog if you:
- Experience severe migraine complications: If your migraine complications render you unable to help yourself, a migraine service dog can step in. For instance, a dog could retrieve the phone if you experience dizziness or visual changes so you can call for help.
- Live alone: When you live alone, you need a plan of action in case your symptoms become severe. A service dog can keep you company and make your attacks more manageable.
- Need help in public: A public migraine attack can be scary. A migraine service dog can accompany you in public places. They can help you walk, communicate and get help.
A migraine service dog can help you whether or not your symptoms are severe. However, getting one may mean some lifestyle changes. All dogs require care, attention and space to run, so consider whether you can meet their requirements before you move forward.
How can you get a service dog for migraine?
Many people assume that getting a migraine service dog will cost a lot, but this isn’t necessarily true! A service animal doesn’t have to be a purebred dog. You don’t need to send it to a specialized training program — although you may want to. Here are a few ways to get a service dog for migraine.
One option is training the dog you already have. Some dogs show a natural aptitude for recognizing prodrome symptoms. With a little guidance, they can become essential members of your migraine support team.
You could get a dog and train them as a service animal. This approach can be challenging, as you may get a dog unsuited to service dog work. If you’re experienced, patient and willing to keep the dog as a pet even if it can’t be trained as a service animal, this could be an option.
You can also purchase a dog professionally trained as a migraine service animal. Expect to spend between $10,000 to $20,000 on a fully trained service dog. Insurance companies rarely cover these costs. Professionally trained service animals have many advantages. They arrive ready to work, have excellent manners, and may be able to perform more complex assistance tasks. For example, they could retrieve migraine medication or alert others when you have a migraine attack. Dogs can even help you avoid falling if you experience vertigo or dizziness.
What is a migraine support dog?
A migraine support dog or therapy dog provides comfort during a migraine attack. They may cuddle with you or lie down on you. They could lick your hand or simply stay nearby when you’re experiencing migraine pain.
Emotional support dogs are essential for many people with migraine. However, they don’t qualify as service animals under the ADA unless they have been trained to perform a specific, disability-related task. This means you may not be able to bring your support dog with you everywhere you go unless local laws give you that protection.
Get the migraine support you need
Are you thinking about getting a migraine support dog or service dog? Consider talking to other members of the migraine community about their experiences. Remember that you, the owner, are responsible for your dog’s health and well-being. Research the costs of food, training and veterinary care, so you know your budget can handle it.
Another option is CEFALY, a drug-free device for relieving migraine pain and preventing attacks. It’s a safe, effective treatment you can do at home that relieved migraine pain in 79% of users in one study. Learn more about CEFALY to see if it’s right for you.
