A narcolepsy service dog is a long term commitment. But having one can help you live a safer life by alerting you before a narcolepsy episode. They can also help with other daily tasks and provide companionship.
If you have narcolepsy, you don’t have to face it on your own. Support can sometimes come in a furry, four-legged package.
Narcolepsy service dogs aren’t right for everyone. But when they’re a good fit, they can:
- help keep you safe
- make it easier to cope
- provide emotional support
Narcolepsy support dogs vs. emotional support animals
Emotional support animals are pets that provide psychological support to people with mental health conditions. They aren’t trained to provide specific services to people with disabilities.
Emotional support animals aren’t considered service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A
- narcolepsy
- epilepsy and seizures
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- migraine
Researchers think the ability to spot these disorders may be related to the dogs’ extra-sensitive ability to smell.
How narcolepsy service dogs do what they do isn’t well studied, but experts at U.S. Service Animals say these specially trained dogs can:
- Warn that a sleeping episode is coming as early as 5 minutes beforehand.
- Summon help if you’ve been hurt during a sleeping episode.
- Wake you during or after an episode.
- Bring medications and other items.
- Guard you during a sleep episode to keep you from harm.
- Provide “pressure” therapy by leaning against you, giving you a physical sense of support.
- Provide companionship.
- Remind you of reality during hypnogogic hallucinations.
- Relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Each trainer and service animal organization has its own requirements. Often, you’ll need to:
- have a diagnosis of narcolepsy or narcolepsy with cataplexy from your doctor
- be 12 years old or older
- be able to train with your dog for at least an hour a day
- commit to reacting when your dog gives you an alert or warning
- be physically and mentally able to handle a service dog
- have a safe and stable home without other dogs
- be willing to create and nurture a strong emotional bond with your dog
The National Service Animal Registry estimates that the cost of fully trained medical service dogs ranges from $15,000 to $30,000.
When you factor in ongoing training, veterinary care, food, and other yearly expenses, a narcolepsy service dog is a big investment.
You may be able to find a grant to help you cover the cost of training a service dog. Many trainers fund part or all of the training costs through donations. Assistance Dog United Campaign may be able to help you find funding.
A trainer will first meet with you to discuss your needs. Then your dog’s training will be tailored to your specific requirements.
Many medical service dogs begin training when they’re around 6 months old. Dogs of any breed can be trained as medical service dogs, including:
- Labrador retrievers
- golden retrievers
- standard poodles or poodle mixes
- German shepherds
The complete process can take as long as 2 to 3 years. You’ll continue to train with your dog for 3 to 6 months after the dog is delivered to your home.
Organizations that can help you find a dog include:
Can you train your pet to be a service animal?
The ADA doesn’t require all service dogs to have professional training. But not all dogs can be trained as service animals.
Your dog’s personality may or may not be suited to the tasks of a narcolepsy service dog. If your dog is a good candidate for training, the training costs may be lower.
Living with a service dog isn’t as simple as living with a pet. Trainers recommend that you follow these best practices:
- Stay close to your dog: Physical closeness, especially in the early months, helps build the bond between you and your service dog.
- Keep up the training: It can take years for your service dog to get to know you and your health needs. Daily training helps your dog build knowledge and improve its ability to anticipate your needs.
- Understand the breed: Your service dog’s breed influences its need for exercise, tendency to shed, temperament, and other traits.
- Keep your dog close: Don’t keep your service dog somewhere they can’t reach you in a time of need.
- Exercise your dog regularly: Daily walks are good for both you and your service dog.
- Be aware of hazards: Keep your service dog safe from traffic, icy sidewalks, blistering hot pavement, freshly tarred roads, chemicals, and other dangers.
- Develop a relationship with your vet: Regular veterinary care will help keep your service dog in shape.
- Make room for error: Just as you have days when you’re not at your best, your service dog will, too.
- Provide love and praise: Your dog needs a healthy emotional connection with you.
Under the ADA and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), people with disabilities can travel with trained service animals.
Some airlines, transportation companies, and hotels have policies that address how service animals should be handled during travel.
Before traveling check the travel requirements of your transportation mode (train, bus, airplane, etc.) and service animal rules at your final destination. Other states and countries will have different laws regarding service animals.
Travel with copies of your dog’s vaccination records. Knowing the rules in advance will help keep things as stress-free as possible for you and your dog.
If you’re taking a long flight, prepare accordingly for travel before, during, and after your flight, including any time you spend at the airport. You may also need to fill out Department of Transportation forms for your service animal.
If you’re planning an international trip
Check with your destination country to see if service animals are allowed. Assistance Dogs International provides an overview with links to many countries’ service animal policies.
You can go out without your service dog after getting one, though your doctor may not always advise this. It may be a good idea to leave your dog at home if:
- You’re going somewhere that’s likely to distress your service dog.
- You’re going to be part of an intentionally stressful activity, such as a sports competition or a horror film. Your emotional reaction could lead your dog to believe you’re in need of help.
- You’re going to a service at a house of worship. Religious organizations are exempt from the requirements of the ADA. The Department of Justice explains which places are not required to allow service animals.
- You’re going to be unable to care for them. If you’re going to be admitted for surgery, think about who will look after your dog while you can’t. Some hospitals may charge you to board your dog.
Placing a service vest on an untrained dog is unethical. When people claim a pet is a trained service dog, others may question whether service animals are legitimate, putting professionally trained dogs and their owners at risk.
In some states, falsely claiming a pet is a service dog is illegal. If you misrepresent your pet as a service animal, you may receive a fine or jail time.
A narcolepsy service dog can warn you that an episode is coming, wake you afterward, get help if you’re hurt, and fetch medications and other supplies. They can also give you lots of emotional support and companionship.
Training can be costly and take up to 3 years to complete. You’ll need to participate in training, care for your dog’s ongoing needs, and plan carefully for outings and travel.
Still, if you can make the investment, a service dog may make living with narcolepsy safer and easier.
