![]() The way in which an alert dog warns of a sleep attack is innate and does not need to be taught. The alert dog becomes aware of the sleep attack shortly before it occurs, and lets the partner know by prodding or laying out its paw. ![]() ![]() The main task of a narcolepsy alert dog is to warn of a sleep attack before it occurs. This depends on several factors, such as the ability of the dog and the bond it has. Neither trainer nor partner can really influence the ability to reliably give a warning prior to a sleep attack. If a dog doesn't have the ability to recognize a sleep attack before it happens, it will never gain the ability. If a dog doesn't want to alert its partner to an oncoming sleep attack, it won't. This fact illustrates the uniqueness of alert dogs, and the difficulty in finding and training them. A narcolepsy alert dog has to act on its own initiative, and not just give a warning when commanded to. Narcolepsy alert dogs have to want to notice an oncoming sleep attack a few minutes before it occurs, and to make their partner aware of it. Not every dog can recognize an oncoming sleep attack.Ī dog has to be born an alert dog - you can't make an alert dog! It is therefore of paramount importance to choose the right dog who possesses this innate ability. Either it has the sensitivity to pick up on an oncoming event, or it doesn't. This allows the narcoleptic to sit or lie down, find a safe place or call a relative, so that they can avoid being injured.Ī dog can't be taught the ability to alert before a life-threatening event becomes severe. Narcolepsy alert dogs give a warning up to five minutes before a sleep attack. Narcolepsy alert dogs are trained for people with cataplexy, so these assistance dogs are also called cataplexy alert dogs. Alert dogs react BEFORE the sleep attack occurs and alert the narcoleptic in good time! By following your vet’s advice and being aware of the trigger signs, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life with narcolepsy.At the Assistance Dog Center T.A.R.S.Q.® we only train narcolepsy alert dogs who can actually warn of oncoming sleep attacks. Sometimes there are medications that your vet can prescribe to help keep your dog calm. Your vet can help give you advice on signs to look for and what to do to help stop these episodes from happening. While there are other diseases such as heart failure that can mimic these signs, it is always best for your vet to look at your dog as soon as this happens to make sure that there is not anything else going on. Most dogs will suddenly collapse and, after a few minutes, will be back to normal. While a narcoleptic episode may be scary, this disease is rarely fatal and not painful at all. Try to avoid any stressful events, and try to keep your dog calm at all times will help decrease these events from happening. During these times, providing them calming words and attention will help the episodes quickly subside. You will need to be more cautious and aware of your dog’s behavior during exciting or stressful events. Most dogs can live a very normal life even if they have narcolepsy. These tests will help your vet determine the exact cause of your dog’s symptoms. Usually, these multiple tests are necessary to determine if the issues are truly due to your dog having narcolepsy or something else. Electrolyte Panel: This will help make sure that there are not any electrolyte imbalances causing your dog to pass out.Urinalysis: This will make sure that your dog does not have a bladder infection and will give some indication of how well the kidneys are functioning.Complete blood count (CBD): A CBC will check your dog’s blood level and make sure that they are not anemic and adequately hydrated.It will also check your dog’s protein levels and blood sugar as all of these could cause sudden collapse Blood chemical profile: This will check your dog’s organ function and make sure that the liver and kidneys are functioning properly.These test that your vet may want to run are: Many times, your vet may also want to run other tests to make sure that there is nothing else going on. Many times, this disease can be easily diagnosed and identified based almost solely on symptoms and physical exam alone. If your dog suddenly collapses or you think that your dog has narcolepsy, they should see your vet right away.
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