Technologically advanced collar device for service dogs

Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that provides those in need with trained service dogs free of charge, announced the launch of a new technologically advanced collar device.¹ The CanineAlert Device is worn by the service dog and wirelessly connected to the human recipient. The device tracks vital signs like heart rate and alerts the service dog via vibration when the measurements spike. Canine Companions service dogs are already trained to detect changes in their human; however, this new device will ensure no issues go undetected.

Service dog wearing the CanineAlert Device. (Photo courtesy of Canine Companions)

The service dog company is hoping to help people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and particularly, when an intense stressful episode occurs. The collar device can help alert a dog earlier, resulting in a quicker intervention and shorter recovery time for any PTSD episode. The early detection can also work well with nightmares. The collar will alert the dog if it senses a quick rise in heart rate, prompting the dog to initiate their training protocol of waking the human and providing pressure therapy.¹

"Our CanineAlert Device is a significant advancement in mitigating the impacts of PTSD," said Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions, in a news release.¹ "By combining innovative technology with the abilities of our trained service dogs, Canine Companions is able to provide veterans a better and faster solution for managing their symptoms. The CanineAlert Device is a revolutionary approach to managing PTSD and will improve the lives of many veterans. We are excited to broaden the application of the patent and technology over time, to help clients with a wider variety of symptoms and disabilities."

According to the Dogtopia Foundation, around 52% of veterans suffer from PTSD.² The new CanineAlert Device has the potential to benefit a great amount of veterans by enhancing the effectiveness of their service dogs.

Canine Companions has gathered initial data from users utilizing this new technology and found the following information:¹

• Over half of Canine Companions veteran clients utilize nightmare interruption and recovery tasks daily or a few times per week.
• 85% of Canine Companions veteran clients report an improvement in nightmares and night terrors.
• 89% of Canine Companions veteran clients feel more comfortable sleeping in new locations, while 88% feel more at ease sleeping in their own beds.

Reference

1. Canine Companions launches the CanineAlert Device. News release. Canine Companions. April 8, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canine-companions-launches-the-caninealert-device-302109729.html
2. Our worthy causes. Dogtopia Foundation. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://dogtopiafoundation.org/our-worthy-causes/#veterans