How Service Dogs are Helping Veterans with PTSD

r22foundation — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:15:13 +0000

How Service Dogs are Helping Veterans with PTSD

According to the National Center for PTSD, it’s estimated that around 7-8% of the US population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Military veterans make up a large portion of this statistic, as 15% of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, social isolation, and more. While many people who suffer from PTSD turn to medication and therapy to help deal with their symptoms, an emerging trend is the use of service dogs.

Service dogs can be trained to do various tasks that help their owners cope with their symptoms. For example, a dog might be trained to wake their owner from a nightmare or to provide deep pressure therapy during an anxiety attack. These dogs are not only invaluable companions but also provide an extra layer of security and support.

The Process of Getting a Service Dog

The process of getting a service dog can be long and difficult, but ultimately it’s worth it for those who suffer from PTSD. The first step is to find a reputable organization that trains service dogs like Rescue 22 Foundation. Next, the potential owner will undergo an evaluation to see if they are a good candidate for a service dog. Once they are matched with a dog, training begins.

This training can take anywhere from six months to a year. We have some of the best trainers in the industry, and they also happen to be combat veterans with PTSD among other disabilities. Our trainers are from Ridgeside K9 Carolinas Dog Training, Coastline K9 and Devines K9. They have many years of dog training and also understand how our veterans feel from experience!

Finally, once the dog is fully trained, they will be able to go home with their new owner and start helping them live a better life.

The Benefits of Service Dogs

Service dogs can provide many benefits for veterans suffering from PTSD. Studies have shown that service dogs can reduce anxiety, depression, and nightmares. They can also help veterans re-establish social connections and improve their overall quality of life. In one study, 100% of participants said that their service dog helped them feel calm in public places and 93% said their dog helped them feel more secure at home alone.

Service dogs are making a big difference in the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD. These specially trained animals provide companionship, security, and support that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are a veteran suffering from PTSD, consider looking into getting a service dog—it just might change your life for the better.

The post How Service Dogs are Helping Veterans with PTSD appeared first on Rescue 22 Foundation.

Service Dogs Are Saving Veterans

r22foundation — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 22:11:23 +0000

Service Dogs are Saving Veterans

Veterans are returning home from combat with a new battle to fight, one against an unseen enemy. Tensionsruns high, anxiety lurks around every corner, and stresses of civilian life can seem insurmountable. In 2016, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 6 million veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A service dog can provide the stability and assistance many of these veterans need to live a normal life again.

How Service Dogs Help Veterans with PTSD

Service dogs provide companionship, which can be beneficial for veterans struggling with depression or anxiety. They require daily walks, which encourages veterans to get outside and interact with their community. They also attend weekly training sessions with their veteran handlers, giving them a sense of purpose and helping them feel connected to others. handlers must complete tasks to care for their dog, such as feeding and grooming, which can help bring a sense of structure and routine to their day.

Service dogs can help veterans re-establish trust after trauma by providing unconditional love and support. They can help ease symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and nightmares, by providing physical calming cues, such as deep pressure therapy. They can also serve as an early warning system for veteran’s experiencing anxiety or panic attacks by alerting them to changes in their environment or body language.

Service Dog Tyr and Veteran Jordan

Service dog trained by Ridgeside K9 Carolinas Dog Training

The Impact of Service Dogs on Veterans' Lives

Service dogs have a profound impact on the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD. In one study, 68% of participants reported experiencing a decrease in symptoms of PTSD after working with a service dog. In another study, 74% of participants reported feeling less lonely after receiving a service dog. And in a third study, 100% of participants said they would recommend getting a service dog to other veterans suffering from PTSD.

These numbers are impressive, but they don’t tell the whole story. The personal stories of veterans who have been helped by service dogs are truly inspirational. One veteran credits his service dog with saving his life after he attempted suicide. Another says her service dog has given her back her confidence and allowed her to re-engage with the world around her. These are just two examples of the thousands of ways service dogs are making a difference in the lives of veterans every day.

You Are Not Alone

if you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, know that you’re not alone. There is hope; service dogs are making a difference in the lives of veterans suffering from this invisible injury every day. These loyal companions provide unconditional love and support when it’s needed most and give vets the motivation they need to continue fighting for their lives. If you’re considering getting a service dog, reach out to an organization like Rescue 22 Foundation today; they’ll help you every step of the way to finding the perfect furry friend for your needs.

The post Service Dogs Are Saving Veterans appeared first on Rescue 22 Foundation.