How dogs can be used to detect PTSD: Scientists train pups to sniff out an ... trends now
Their sensitive noses can detect an impending seizure, sniff out signs of Covid and even expose cancer.
Now, scientists have successfully trained two dogs to smell trauma from a person’s breath.
The researchers trained 25 dogs to sniff out the chemical signs of stress in someone's breath.
However, only two were skilled and motivated enough to complete the study – Ivy, a Red Golden Retriever, and Callie, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix.
In the future the scientists think these talented pooches might be able to identify when someone is about to have a frightening flashback.
The researchers trained 25 dogs to sniff out the chemical signs of stress in someone's breath. However, only two were skilled and motivated enough to complete the study. Pictured: Ivy, a Red Golden Retriever
In the future the scientists think these talented pooches might be able to identify when someone is about to have a frightening flashback. Pictured: Callie, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix
PTSD arises from exposure to a traumatic event and can lead to debilitating symptoms that include re-experiencing the event in the form of a flashback.
Currently, service dogs are used to help patients with PTSD by alerting and interrupting when their companions are struggling with their symptoms.
By training dogs to recognise the signs of an episode from the breath alone, the scientists hope that service dogs can intervene earlier and keep their companions safe.
Researchers from Dalhousie University, in Canada, recruited 26 people who had been through some kind of trauma as scent donors for their study.
Half of the participants had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event.
To donate scents, the participants attended sessions where they were reminded of their trauma experiences while wearing different facemasks.
One facemask provided a calm breath sample, while the
