Service Dog For Migraines
A migraine alert dog plays an important role in ensuring that migraine patients are alerted when they initially have the onset of a migraine. If you've ever suffered from the effects of a migraine, you know how hard these awful headaches are and how important quick relief is.
Spotting Early Signs
Although many people are good at spotting the early signs of a headache, sometimes a migraine can sneak up unexpectedly. When this happens, you may have a severe migraine with poor response to medication before you even know it.
This is where a service dog for migraines can be very helpful. One of the things that these dogs do is pick up on the possibility of a migraine during the early phases, hopefully in enough time to treat it before a headache gets very bad.
What Happens Before a Migraine?
Many migraine sufferers go through an early phase, called the prodrome phase, that may happen 48 hours before the pain symptoms begin. During this phase, there are symptoms related to changes in the nervous system that include:
- Digestive upsets like diarrhea or constipation
- Either fatigue or hyperactivity
- Difficulty concentrating or mood swings
- Yawning
Migraine therapy dogs are trained to support subtle changes in your behavior that might not be immediately obvious to you. Dogs are very acutely aware of everything that goes on with their owners and is likely to pick up on these changes very quickly.
How a Migraine Alert Dog Helps
The sensitive perception that dogs have is truly remarkable, from knowing when you're about to arrive home to when you're sad. Because of your dog's perception and natural bond with you, he or she will be able to swing into action when they sense something isn't right with you.
A dog's sense of smell helps them notice changes in your system that are probably otherwise unnoticeable to you. When the dog is trained in migraine therapy, he or she will know what to do to get your attention, including:
- Staring at your or sticking very closely
- Giving you a nudge or licking you
- Circling around you
- Barking to get your attention
Why Dogs Require Special Training
Even though most pets are perceptive about changes with their owners, pet dogs won't necessarily be able to alert you in the way that a migraine therapy dog does. A dog's temperament also plays a role in how well they can be used for this type of therapy.
However, the good news is that many owners are blessed with dogs that pick up on their migraines naturally, with one study revealing that 50 to 60 percent of dogs could detect their owners' migraines.
Deciding If You're a Good Fit
Like any dog, a migraine therapy dog will require some responsibility. However, it can be rewarding to have a furry friend to help you if any of these are true:
- You find yourself having strong and even strange food cravings
- The day or so before your migraines involves frequent bathroom trips
- Getting sleepy right before a migraine is common for you
Service Dog Gear
If you do decide that getting a service dog to help with your migraines makes sense, we offer a variety of service dog gear you will want to check out.
People who get warning signs before their migraine hits often do very well having a migraine therapy dog. Consider the benefits of a service dog for migraines or therapy dog if this is something that may work well for you and your circumstances.
Meet The Author
Canine Specialist & Writer
Grant is an award-winning writer for SitStay with a passion for pets and especially dogs! Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs.
27 thoughts on “What is a Migraine Alert Dog?”
ASHLEY
I have suffered with chronic ocular migraines for over 10 years. Last year I got my inner ear, Diath, pierced; I haven’t had a full blown migraine since.
Alli with SitStay
Hi Tori,
Older dogs can be trained to help you with your migraines. I would talk to your mom about getting him/her trained with a professional, so then you won’t have to get a new one and you’ll have the help you need. Now whether a service dog can help you or not, I can not say. I would discuss with your doctor about if one could help with your migraines. Good luck!
Thank you!
Tori
I am only 13 but I get really bad migraines so bad that I start to loose my vision and I can’t focus at all. The only problem is my mom would never alow me to get another dog. I have a dog already that I’m trying to train but I think he may be to old (he’s 4). I only usually get the migraines during school so I wouldn’t really need a service dog outside of school (though it would help). My mom says that even if I am able to train my dog to become a service dog that I wouldn’t be aloud to bring him to school. Is there any way that I could convince her to get a service dog/do I qualify/can you give me tips on how to train my 4 year old dog (if I even can)?
Alli with SitStay
Hi Wanda,
I’m sorry to hear about your migraines. I would suggest locating service dog trainers in your area to see where to get started. They would be able to give you all the information on price and how to get one. You could also discuss one with your doctor. Sorry I am not more help.
Thank you!
Wanda Hobson
I’ve had severe migraines for as long as I can remember. I’ve been to Neurologist, and several other doctors. I’ve used everything they’ve got for migraines, and nothing helps. I usually wake up in the middle of the night, and it’s already full blown. I’ve lost several jobs over the years, and was wondering how to get a migraines service dog, and what’s the cost? Please, get back to me on this….I’m very interested in getting a service dog. I could really use one.