Positive Impacts of Service Dogs on Veterans with PTSD and Suicide Prevention

Introduction to Service Dogs

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that deeply affects many veterans, particularly those who have served in combat zones. The nature of PTSD, which includes symptoms such as hyper-arousal, intrusive memories, and emotional numbness, makes it a challenging condition to treat. However, recent research has shown that service dogs can significantly help veterans cope with PTSD and may even play a key role in preventing suicide, a leading cause of death among veterans. This article explores the positive impact of service dogs on veterans with PTSD, the science behind the human-animal bond, and how these dogs contribute to suicide prevention.

The Challenge of PTSD in Veterans

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are affected by PTSD in any given year (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022). PTSD can manifest in various ways, including nightmares, flashbacks, intense feelings of fear or anxiety, and difficulty forming relationships. These symptoms can make daily life incredibly difficult, and in severe cases, lead to thoughts of suicide. The impact of PTSD on veterans’ mental health and quality of life is devastating, making the search for effective treatments a top priority. Any veteran can reach out to Healing the Hero nonprofit for help with symptoms of PTSD and Depress by clicking on the website.

The Role of Service Dogs in Treating PTSD

Service dogs are specially trained to assist people with physical disabilities, but they are also increasingly used in the treatment of psychological conditions like PTSD. The relationship between a service dog and a veteran can provide numerous therapeutic benefits. Service dogs are trained to respond to specific cues from their owners, such as interrupting episodes of anxiety or hyperarousal, providing physical comfort, and encouraging emotional bonding. The sense of security that a dog can offer plays a vital role in helping veterans feel more grounded and less isolated.

A study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (2018) found that veterans with PTSD who were paired with service dogs experienced significant improvements in their symptoms. These improvements were marked by reductions in anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness, as well as an increased ability to engage with others socially. The study concluded that service dogs could be an effective adjunct to traditional PTSD treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

The Science Behind the Human-Animal Bond

One of the most compelling reasons that service dogs are so effective in treating PTSD is the deep, scientifically supported bond between humans and animals. Research has shown that interacting with dogs can trigger the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which plays a crucial role in bonding and emotional regulation (Beetz et al., 2012). Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being, making it a crucial factor in the positive impact service dogs have on veterans.

Moreover, the presence of a dog can help regulate the veteran’s nervous system. Service dogs are often trained to recognize signs of anxiety or panic attacks in their handlers. By nudging, licking, or providing physical contact, they can help ground the veteran during moments of heightened distress, thus reducing the physiological symptoms associated with PTSD. This can lead to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and improve emotional regulation (Odendaal & Meintjes, 2003).

Service Dogs and Suicide Prevention

One of the most heart-wrenching consequences of untreated PTSD in veterans is suicide. According to the VA, 17 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022). This staggering statistic has prompted an increased focus on finding solutions that can help reduce the risk of suicide among veterans. Service dogs may play an instrumental role in this area.

The emotional support that a service dog provides can be crucial for veterans who experience suicidal thoughts. The bond between a veteran and their dog offers companionship and a sense of purpose, both of which are vital for suicide prevention. In a study by O’Haire (2013), veterans who received service dogs reported higher levels of well-being, less loneliness, and a greater sense of safety. This was particularly important for those who felt disconnected from society or struggled with feelings of worthlessness.

In addition to offering companionship, service dogs are trained to respond to specific signs of distress, such as hyper-vigilance or flashbacks, which are common in PTSD. The dog’s ability to intervene during these moments can serve as a protective factor, preventing the escalation of negative emotions that may lead to suicidal ideation. By providing constant support, a service dog can act as an emotional anchor for veterans, reminding them that they are not alone.

A Case Study with Maze

Jared Hill & Maze

I would be irresponsible if I didn’t share my story and journey with Maze. I met Maze about 4 years ago at a veterans event in California for the Sparta Project. I was roommates at the event with Jared Hill and Maze. Jared and Maze were inseparable. He was a Navy SeaBee and served in Iraq in 2005. I was able to do quite a bit of work with Jared using the Trauma Resiliency Protocol when I was with 22ZERO. Jared was diagnosed with PTSD but also suffered from substance use issues, with opiates specifically. He had a lot of physical pain from injuries he sustained in the military.

Unfortunately as it is too common the VA started prescribing these opiates and he became addicted. I even did hypnotherapy work with Jared and he would do well for a while. Unfortunately while I was training a group of mental health counselors in Mississippi, Jared locked Maze out of his room and then took his own life on the 12th of March 2022. This was from ongoing trauma we couldn’t get him out of. There were at least four nonprofits desperately trying to help him.

I reached out to the organization that trained Maze Vet Service Dogs NFP in Illinois. They made a decision to allow me to take her. A friend of mine Mark Bowles a cop from Canada went with me to Jared’s funeral and we picked her up. The poor dogs appeared so confused and out of it. For three days she wouldn’t eat and barely drink any water. She was mourning. She started coming around on the fourth day and we just played and bonded.

On the 20th of March 2022 we became inseparable. I could be her service human and we get to travel to events all over the country for the nonprofit work we do. Around November of 2023 y life would start to struggle again, Maze would be forced out of retirement. A new event would occur in my life that I was having a difficult time dealing with involving a friendship that was failing. This is when I needed Maze the most. It is amazing how these dogs sense our triggers and respond in a way that in about 15 seconds, your emotional roller coaster ride would be shifted to laughter. She would jump into my lap, on the bed or jump up on me and start licking my face. They are remarkable. Maze was truly a God send in these moments.

Case Studies

There are numerous anecdotal stories of veterans whose lives have been dramatically improved by service dogs. One such story is that of Sergeant First Class (SFC) Michael, who served in Iraq and struggled with PTSD and depression after returning home. He frequently experienced panic attacks, hypervigilance, and social withdrawal. After being paired with a service dog named Max, Michael reported significant improvements in his mental health. Max helped him navigate crowded public spaces, offered comfort during anxiety attacks, and provided companionship during lonely moments. Michael credits Max with saving his life, saying, “Without Max, I don’t know where I’d be. He gives me a reason to get up every day” (Veterans Affairs, 2020).

Another example is the case of veteran Linda, who served in Afghanistan and faced severe PTSD, including suicidal thoughts. She was paired with a service dog, Daisy, who was trained to alert Linda when she was becoming agitated or anxious. Daisy would nudge Linda or jump into her lap, which helped her regain composure and prevent panic attacks. Linda states that Daisy has been essential in keeping her grounded, preventing her from succumbing to her darker thoughts. “I know I’m not alone when I have Daisy,” she says. “She’s my anchor.”

The Importance of Training and Support

While service dogs can be incredibly beneficial, it is important to note that proper training is essential for both the dogs and the veterans they serve. Service dogs are trained to respond to specific symptoms and needs, and this training ensures that the dogs can effectively assist their handlers in moments of crisis. Additionally, veterans receiving service dogs must undergo training as well to learn how to work with their dog and integrate them into their daily lives.

Veterans must also receive ongoing support as they adjust to life with their service dog. This includes regular check-ins with trainers, counselors, and healthcare providers to ensure that the veteran is receiving comprehensive care. Many organizations, such as K9s for Warriors and Paws for Veterans, offer comprehensive programs that include both dog training and mental health support for veterans.

Conclusion

The role of service dogs in helping veterans with PTSD cannot be overstated. The emotional, physical, and psychological benefits are far-reaching, improving not only the veterans’ mental health but also enhancing their overall quality of life. The bond formed between the veteran and the dog becomes a life-saving relationship, providing them with companionship, security, and the ability to handle traumatic triggers more effectively. As veterans continue to face high rates of PTSD and suicide, service dogs provide a unique and valuable resource that can lead to life-saving results.

In addition to providing emotional support, service dogs help to break down the walls of isolation that many veterans with PTSD experience. Isolation is a significant factor in veteran suicide, and the connection formed with a dog provides a strong antidote to loneliness and despair. Studies have shown that the companionship and emotional regulation that dogs offer can reduce the severity of depression and anxiety, with the added benefit of reducing suicidal ideation (Barker, Knisely, Schubert, & Green, 2005).

Furthermore, organizations that train and place service dogs, such as K9s for Warriors and Paws for Veterans, not only provide the dogs themselves but also offer training and continuous support for veterans. This holistic approach ensures that veterans are equipped with the tools and skills they need to succeed in their interactions with their service dogs and in their ongoing recovery from PTSD. As more research is conducted, the evidence continues to mount supporting the use of service dogs as an effective intervention for PTSD and suicide prevention.

Ultimately, the role of service dogs is far more than simply providing comfort—they become true partners in healing. By addressing the psychological, emotional, and physiological needs of veterans, service dogs offer a comprehensive solution to PTSD that helps save lives. The military and first responder communities have long been places where self-sacrifice and bravery are valued above all else, and the partnership with a service dog enables these veterans to reclaim some of the support and security they have given to others in their service.

By continuing to support programs that connect veterans with service dogs, we not only honor their sacrifice but also contribute to a society that values healing and recovery for those who have given so much. As the need for mental health solutions continues to grow, service dogs remain a shining example of the profound impact that compassion and training can have on improving the lives of veterans, especially in preventing suicide.

References

Barker, S. B., Knisely, J. S., Schubert, C. M., & Green, M. T. (2005). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 56(5), 677-681. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.56.5.677

Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234

Department of Veterans Affairs. (2018). Veterans Affairs Service Dog Study. VA National Center for PTSD.

O’Haire, M. E. (2013). Animal-assisted intervention for trauma: A meta-analysis. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(4), 441-448. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21801

Odendaal, J. S. J., & Meintjes, R. A. (2003). Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behavior between humans and dogs. Veterinary Journal, 165(3), 296-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(02)00237-9

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022). National veteran suicide prevention annual report. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/

Veterans Affairs. (2020). Service dogs help veterans overcome PTSD and depression. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/health/benefits/service-dogs