Post-traumatic stress disorder — or PTSD, is one of the mental health issues common amongst veterans; causing persistent anxiety, stress, and hypervigilant behavior. Due to these conditions, veterans find it difficult to function effectively, concentrate, or even take pleasure in their daily activities.
Acquiring the proper help for veterans to alleviate this condition requires someone who is aware of the veteran’s triggers and can disrupt them whenever necessary.
A study developed by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University confirmed that acquiring a service dog has a positive effect as a coping treatment for veterans experiencing PTSD or other veterans’ disabilities.
This blog post will answer the most important questions about PTSD service dogs, such as their difference from a pet dog, how a service dog helps a veteran in their daily activities, and how to get a service dog for veterans with other injuries.
Difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs
The VA is aware of the effects of acquiring service dogs for veterans with disabilities. However, most people often mistake a service dog for an emotional support dog.
If you are considering a service dog, it is important to understand the difference between an emotional support dog and an actual service dog.
Service dogs receive training to assist individuals with disabilities. Service dogs provide guidance to individuals with visual impairments, and in the case of veterans with PTSD, they are trained to identify the triggers that trigger panic or anxiety attacks.
Although they are still good for a veteran’s mental state, emotional support dogs do not receive any training and are considered more as pets, while service dogs are animals that are on duty and are there more as a job to help a veteran with their daily activities.
Since the handler depends on the service dog for most of their activities, a service dog for veterans is allowed in most areas where pet dogs are not usually granted access, as long as the service dog behaves well.
How can service dogs help with PTSD?
A service dog for veterans receives training to perform the following:
- Provide emotional support and distract the veteran from maladaptive behavior or flashbacks. Service dogs can do the following to disrupt the veteran’s anxiety attacks:
- Using their body for grounding,
- Nudging;
- Licking;
- Pawing; and
- Leaning
- Wake up a veteran from nightmares;
- Carry medication, and
- Get help if necessary.
Additionally, service dogs can assist PTSD veterans by retrieving an item or medication if they are unable to move due to panic attacks. In cases of hypervigilance, service dogs can offer safety by leading the veteran to a more secure area.
Training for service dogs
To perform its tasks and effectively help the veteran, the service dog needs extensive therapy dog training.
The process for service dog training for veterans with PTSD can vary and is not committed to a standard method. Service dogs undergo different programs to evaluate their patience and relationship with their potential owners.
The trainer will set up scenarios where a dog must awaken a veteran during a nightmare or safely assist a veteran during a panic attack.
The training includes simple commands like “sit” or “stay”.
Does the VA cover the cost of service dogs?
Although the VA understands the effects and benefits of getting a service dog for PTSD veterans, they still need to conduct further investigation and research and claim that it would take several years to finalize. Hence, they are unable to cover the cost of getting a service dog for any conditions.
It is essential to understand that the VA will not be responsible for shouldering the costs of service dog training for veterans or other service dog programs for veterans; however, they can supply veterinary care for service dogs as long as it is confirmed that they are clinically required for the rehabilitation of veterans with permanent injuries.
There are still factions that can help a veteran obtain a service dog by providing either partial or full coverage, which can help the veteran pay for the training costs. Groups such as the MK9s Service Dogs, an all-volunteer program, provides free service dogs to veterans with disabilities.
The Process of Getting a Service Dog
Since the VA will not cover the expenses of getting a service dog, you will need to find an organization that can help you.
It can be a harrowing experience, especially since you will be required to retell your stories, and it may potentially trigger your anxieties. However, many organizations are sympathetic to a veteran’s dilemma and will not require them to narrate their entire trauma; instead, they will check your qualifications and other standards for getting a service dog.
In most cases, your chosen organization will visit you at home and arrange a meetup between the veteran and the service dog that they are training—also known as Service Dog in Training (SDiT).
It is a critical procedure for the trained professional to evaluate and determine if a partnership would be possible. Here are some general qualifications that apply to most of these factions:
- Proof of military service (some require an honorable discharge)
- Securing a copy of your DD-214
- A letter of recommendation
- The service dog must adhere to the training curriculum.
- The veteran has every means necessary to provide for the dog’s needs, such as shelter, food, and veterinary care.
Can a service dog help with other disabilities besides PTSD?
Besides PTSD, service dogs for disabled veterans can be a big help in their daily activities.
- Offer guidance for veterans with visual impairments.
- Assists veterans with defective hearing
- Follow instructions or assist veterans in wheelchairs.
Service dogs can help veterans close and open doors, carry medications and other items, pick up dropped items, and, if needed, call out someone for help in the event of an emergency.
Service dogs can have a significant impact on a veteran’s life. It is equally important to undergo proper treatment to ensure that you can fully enjoy the company of your service dog and loved ones; and getting your VA claim approved can be a tremendous help. Feel free to book a free strategy call and contact our experienced veteran coaches directly. You may also visit our VA claims assistance page for more information.