Service Dogs Help Veterans Suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have gone on for almost ten years and many military men and women have experienced several tours of duty. Hopefully they all will be home soon.

Unfortunately, many veterans are having a difficult time returning to civilian life and putting the horrors of war behind them. Many are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. One out of eight returning veterans probably suffers from PTSD.

Better medical care saves more veterans from physical trauma, but the psychological toll of long deployments makes adjusting to life outside combat difficult. Few veterans ask for help. They fear the stigma of being labeled a mental case.

There are many symptoms of PTSD. The veteran experiences frequent thoughts of upsetting events day and night. There are physical reactions such as a pounding heart, insomnia and an exaggerated startle reflex. There is a feeling of isolation and fear that life will never be normal.

It has been estimated that one U.S. veteran attempts suicide every eighty minutes.

Post traumatic stress disorder, high unemployment, loss of military camaraderie and limited mental health resources are just some of the over-whelming problems veterans face.

Service dogs are helping veterans dealing with PTSD. The dogs sense and relieve panic attacks and depression. Caring for an animal, forces the veteran to focus on something else and overcome isolation. There is also less dependence on drugs and medication after partnering with a dog.

Service dogs have been used in treatment for PTSD for 10 years. They were formerly called psychiatric service dogs. The dogs may be specially bred by professional trainers.

Others are shelter dogs selected and trained by private citizens. Training starts at 8 weeks and lasts a year.The cost is from $4000-$10,000. There is no charge to the veteran.

The dogs are trained in basic obedience, public access skills and assisting those with disabilities. The owner must walk the dog, care for it and take the dog to the vet. The dog must accompany the veteran at all times.

As the last of our soldiers leave Iraq this year, service dogs will be waiting at home to help.

Sources:

http://ipsnews.net.asp?idnews=49971

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/288154-overview

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