As per a study published in the journal Frontiers in Allergy, certain canines are able to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which constitute the “scent profile” of humans.
When tested, a German shepherd called Callie and a golden retriever named Ivy both identified certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are linked to stress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is brought on by frightful, stressful, or traumatic experiences. It frequently causes nightmares and flashbacks that resemble the same incidents for those who are impacted.
More than half of the 26 research subjects who satisfied the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were asked to recall traumatic events from their past while breathing through a face mask.
According to a previous study, dogs are able to recognize early warning signs of diseases like cancer as well as potentially serious medical conditions like an impending seizure or abrupt hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar levels unexpectedly drop.
While some are already trained to help individuals during distress episodes, their responses are limited to behavioral or physical indications.
According to Ms. Kiiroja, the findings of this study may improve the efficacy of support dogs for PTSD.
