Several years ago, The Epilepsy Institute was contacted by individuals who believed their dogs were alerting them to seizures. At that time, The Institute obtained a small grant to conduct a study to determine if this behavior could be scientifically proven.

The study consisted of EEG and video monitoring people with their dogs, to determine if alleged alerting behavior could be scientifically documented. Due to limited funding, 24 hour EEG monitoring was not possible. Unfortunately no seizures occurred during monitoring. Ironically, one person had a seizure at a time she was not being monitored; therefore, there were no conclusive results. Shortly afterward, the funds for the study were depleted. Should further funds be raised, we will replicate this study. Hopefully, adequate funding would enable sustained monitoring until a seizure occurs.

At this time the voluntary Seizure Alert Dog Committee of The Epilepsy Institute has developed a pet profile questionnaire. The answers to this questionnaire will provide vital information that may ultimately help determine both the viability of and the methodology for training animals for this purpose.

Individuals will be extensively interviewed via the telephone as to the likelihood that their pet has the ability to detect seizures prior to human awareness. Should funding become available, we would ask those persons who appear to have a pet with this ability to participate in more extensive research.

Therefore, if you or a family member a) has epilepsy and b) a dog or cat, regardless if the dog/or cat has ever alerted, please assist in our research by filling out the questionnaire.

Despite the many sensational reports of this alleged phenomenon in newspapers and on television and radio, it is important to remember that to date, there is no scientific proof that animals can alert humans to seizures. Even if this ability is confirmed, it is not known that this apparent ability can be acquired through training and/or what kind of training is effective. Further, we advise against obtaining a dog solely due to a hope that the dog will forewarn seizures. Accordingly, there are no trainers we can recommend for this purpose.

Our own interviews of persons who believe their pets have this ability have led us to conclude the following: 1) Despite wide-spread publicity, relatively few persons report that their pets have this ability, 2) Approximately half who responded affirmatively have identified behaviors that are more likely assistance during a seizure as opposed to forewarning and 3) Some reports appear quite viable and warrant scientific research to confirm this ability.

We continue to pursue our quest for funding so that more extensive research may resume. We will keep you informed of any progress and thank you for your interest.