Dave Crenshaw poses for a photo with his service dog, Doc, in his home in Kearny, N.J., on Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon)
In a recent small study, researchers discovered that specially trained service dogs have been making a significant impact on the lives of U.S. military veterans struggling with PTSD. This finding offers hope for expanding the support options available to service members dealing with this condition.
Traditionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has offered talk therapy and medications for veterans with PTSD. They've also been running a pilot program involving service dogs. Under this program, the VA can prescribe service dogs to certain veterans diagnosed with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments, including those with PTSD, and cover some related costs.
Terrence Hayes, the VA press secretary, emphasized the agency's commitment to providing evidence-based care to all veterans. Maggie O'Haire, a co-author of the study from the University of Arizona, highlighted their aim of adding scientific evidence to the increasingly popular practice of using service dogs for PTSD.
For this study, service dogs were provided by K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization. The dogs undergo training to recognize and respond to veterans' signs of distress, such as panic attacks and nightmares, with comforting gestures.
Comparing 81 veterans who received service dogs with 75 veterans on the waiting list, researchers found that after three months, both groups showed improvement in PTSD symptoms. However, those with service dogs experienced a more significant average improvement. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published in JAMA Network Open.
It's uncertain whether spending time with any dog would yield the same results. Moreover, all veterans in the study had access to other PTSD treatments.
O'Haire emphasized that service dogs should complement existing medical practices rather than replace them. She suggested that incorporating service dogs into treatment plans could enhance the overall experience and reduce symptoms further.
According to the VA, PTSD is more prevalent among veterans than civilians, affecting up to 29% of Iraq war veterans during their lifetimes. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, numbness, and heightened anxiety.
Dave Crenshaw, a 41-year-old Army National Guard veteran diagnosed with PTSD in 2016, shared his experience. Despite some relief from antidepressants, he still felt numb. Meeting his service dog, Doc, in 2019 brought a sense of joy and reassurance. Doc has an uncanny ability to sense Crenshaw's distress and provide comfort. Crenshaw, now retired from the military and law enforcement, credits Doc with helping him reclaim his life without relying on antidepressants.
For Crenshaw, Doc is the "greatest medicine with the least amount of side effects," illustrating the profound impact service dogs can have on veterans' well-being.
