Service dogs come in every shape and size, each trained for specific tasks to assist their handler. Some can help reach for things, open doors, get medications, or warn of a pending seizure. When service dogs are “off duty,” they are still aware of their handler and remain alert. While playing with her service dog, Libbi was recording the moment. Suddenly, Sparrow began acting odd, then went into her service dog alert mode, warning Libbi of a pending fainting episode.
*GENUINE ALERT CAPTURED REAL TIME* I was filming my (service) dog playing like a puppy then she suddenly stops about 5 minutes in and starts acting strange! I tried to get her to keep playing but she refused, she knew something was wrong. Turns out I was heading into pre-syncope which often results in long episodes or fainting if I don’t realise or do something quickly enough (sometimes its not possible either). 🦮 Sparrow is my #servicedog and is trained to respond to tiny changes in my body chemistry (detected by scent) and little behavioural cues/physiological changes and either *alert* me ahead of time (like she did here) or *respond* if I go into a pre-syncopal episode to help mitigate the worst of the symptoms (retrieve water, medication, keep me “with it”) or assist if I pass out (bring me round, get help from my partner, calm me down as I come round until I’m ok to get up). What is Pre-Syncope? #Syncope itself refers to passing out/fainting. So #presyncope is by definition “before fainting”, i.e. the feeling of when you’re about to faint. But with some medical conditions, it can happen on it’s own without fully losing consciousness and can last long periods of time. Symptoms include: • Nausea/vomiting • Blurred/tunnel vision (or lost) • Tremor/shaking • Clamminess/sweating • Legs buckling, weakness • Palpitations and heart racing • Ears ringing/hearing muffled (or lost) • Dizziness/lightheadedness • Feeling hot and cold simultaneously And many more. It can come on slowly or ridiculously fast, and occur without warning or in response to a trigger like heat, standing still, infection, humidity. In short, its HORRIBLE. Like the worst travel sickness combined with the stomach flu. #Fainting or #passingout can actually be a relief during pre-syncope. 😵 #DysautonomiaAwareness#NeurocardiogenicSyncope#VasovagalSyncope#PresyncopeAttack#ServiceDog#ServiceDogsPlayToo#servicedogtasking#Servicedogalert#itsmeimtheproblem#hiitsmeimtheproblem#ServiceDogSparrow#AssistanceDog#AssistancedogTask
Sparrow is a golden retriever. She was trained as a service dog to alert to presyncope, or “before fainting.” Libbi has medical conditions that cause her to faint. When Sparrow senses an episode coming on, she gives Libbi an alert sign. This allows Libbi to sit on the floor and take steps to try to avoid fainting. If she can’t prevent fainting, Sparrow will stay with her until she regains consciousness.
Sparrow’s training allows her to notice and respond to Libbi’s body chemistry changes and some physiological and behavioral cues. The service dog can smell subtle changes in Libbi’s scent or see behavioral cues such as foot tapping or thigh rubbing. Sparrow can retrieve medication and water and help keep Libbi aware through interaction. She will also notify Libbi’s partner if they’re available.
Having a service dog means that Libbi can have a more normal life without as much worry. Sparrow is always “on duty,” even in play mode. If you see a service dog in public, please do not attempt to interact with the animal unless invited by the handler. The handler isn’t being mean, but their dog needs to stay aware in case of a health emergency.
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