Everyone knows what guide dogs do for the blind. They help guide and protect them from things they have trouble dealing with on their own. The same can be said for guide dogs that help people with PTSD.

 

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The Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation released a new dramatic commercial showing how guide dogs can help soldier who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD occurs after a person has had a life-threatening event and the stress from the event doesn't go away on its own. It can get even worse over time and these people may develop PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, insomnia, lack of emotions and flashbacks.

There are over 2 million American Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, with 20% suffering from PTSD, according to a RAND study. Many are now getting therapy dogs to help them cope with their PTSD symptoms. The Department of Veteran's Affairs are doing a three year study right now on therapy dogs and veterans with PTSD. The purpose of their study is:

"to evaluate use of service dogs for individuals who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Objectives include:

(1) assess the impact service dogs have on the mental health and quality of life of Veterans;

(2) to provide recommendations to the VA to serve as guidance in providing service dogs to veterans; and

(3) To determine cost associated with total health care utilization and mental health care utilization among veterans with PTSD."

 

Watch the video below and see for yourself, how a therapy dog can help a veteran in need.

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