Migraines can be extremely debilitating, leaving sufferers confined to a dark room or even unable to get out of bed. While there are various treatment options available, some people have found that dogs can actually help with migraines. Specifically, specially-trained migraine alert dogs can detect the early stages of a migraine before the person even realizes it’s happening. These dogs pick up on signals in the prodrome phase, the early stage before symptoms manifest. By alerting their owners to an impending migraine, these dogs enable them to take medication to prevent the pain from fully developing.
Signs Your Dog Will Show If a Migraine is Coming
Migraine alert dogs exhibit a variety of behaviors to warn their owners about an impending migraine attack. These behaviors include licking, circling, nudging, staying by their owner’s side, staring, and barking. By recognizing these signs, migraine sufferers can take proactive measures to prevent the onset of their migraines. Just like seizure alert dogs and sight dogs, migraine alert dogs can be incredibly helpful to those who suffer from migraines.
Body Language
When a dog wants to alert their owner about an upcoming migraine, they may use various forms of body language to get their attention. Some of these signs include pacing around the owner, staring intently at them, and barking as a warning sign. Recognizing these additional signs can provide an early warning about an impending migraine.
History of Migraines and Dogs
Research has been conducted on the prodrome stage of migraines, which is when certain symptoms are present. This stage is also when dogs may provide warning signals about an upcoming migraine. While dogs may not pick up on all of the symptoms, they can recognize changes in mood or behavior. Not all dogs are able to alert their owners to migraines, as some may lack the temperament or fail to recognize the symptoms. However, with the right training, a migraine alert dog can be invaluable, and many dog owners have reported that their pets act differently when a migraine is coming on.
The Science Behind Dogs Helping Migraine Sufferers
Dogs are able to detect key symptoms during the early stages of a migraine, known as the prodrome stage. While they may not understand specific symptoms like food cravings or increased bathroom usage, dogs can sense chemical changes within the body that occur as mood shifts at the start of a migraine. Once they detect these symptoms, they may alert their owners using the behaviors mentioned earlier. Migraine sufferers should pay attention to these signals, as their dogs may know about the migraine before they do.
Training Your Dog to Detect Migraines
To train a dog to recognize the early symptoms of a migraine, it is best to start training them from a young age. Proper training is essential for dogs to effectively recognize and warn their owners about migraine symptoms. Attending training classes or working with medical alert dog trainers can help ensure the dog becomes a competent migraine alert dog. It’s important to remember that not all dogs have the temperament for this training, and expert trainers can provide guidance on whether or not a dog is suitable for this role.
With the right training, many dogs can become effective migraine alert dogs within a few months. Having a properly trained dog can provide valuable assistance in warning their owners about an impending migraine.
“Man’s best friend becomes a lifesaver for migraine sufferers”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs can be trained to detect early signs of migraines: Dogs, especially specially-trained migraine alert dogs, can pick up on signals of an impending migraine up to 48 hours before the onset. They can interpret signals in the prodrome phase of a migraine and alert you so you can take medication to prevent the pain.
2️⃣ Look out for signs that your dog is warning you about a migraine: Some signs that your dog may display include licking you, circling, nudging you, staying by your side, staring at you, and barking. These signs indicate that your dog has recognized the onset of a migraine and is letting you know so you can take action.
3️⃣ Proper training is important for a dog to become an effective migraine alert dog: Training should start from a young age, and it is best to attend proper training classes or work with expert trainers who specialize in training medical alert dogs. Not all dogs have the temperament for this type of training, so it is important to consult with an expert to determine if your dog is suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can dogs help with migraines?
Dogs, particularly specially-trained migraine alert dogs, can pick up on signals of an impending migraine up to 48 hours before the onset. They can alert you to this early stage, enabling you to take medication to prevent the pain.
2. What are some signs that a dog is warning you about an impending migraine attack?
Some signs to look for include licking, circling, nudging, staying by your side, staring at you, and barking.
3. What are some additional signs that a dog may display when they sense a migraine?
Additional signs may include pacing around you, staring intently, and barking as a warning sign.
4. What are some symptoms that can be identified during the early stage of a migraine?
Some symptoms during the early stage of a migraine include yawning more, cravings for certain foods, changes in mood, speaking difficulties, increased fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.
5. How can you train your dog to detect migraines?
It is best to start training from a young age and attend proper training classes with experts who specialize in training medical alert dogs. Not all dogs may be suitable for this training due to temperament, so it is important to seek advice from an expert trainer.
