Many members of the military face:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Physical mobility challenges

 

These conditions produce symptoms including:

• Intrusive thoughts/flashbacks

• Avoidance

• Hypervigilance

• Sleep deprivation

• Social isolation 

 

Individuals who live with these conditions often also experience emotional withdrawal, relationship strain, and have an increased risk of suicide. 

 

Service dogs are growing in popularity as a treatment intervention for veterans living with these conditions. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform tasks that reduce the symptoms associated with PTSD including:

• Deep pressure therapy to reduce anxiety

• Flashback interruption

• Waking their and handler from night terrors

• Creating boundaries in public

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Recent research has found that the use of a service dog has significantly improved PTSD, MDD, and anxiety symptomatology and outcomes. Working with a service dog also can improve mental, social, and emotional health.

(Bergen-Cico et al., 2018; Galovski & Lyons, 2004; Jensen et al., 2021; Kloep et al., 2017; O'Haire & Rodriguez, 2018; Yarborough et al., 2017)