In a pioneering study conducted by researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada, dogs have been trained to detect stress in human breath, a development that could revolutionize the support provided by PTSD assistance dogs. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Allergy, indicates that dogs might be able to sense when an individual is experiencing PTSD flashbacks by identifying specific stress-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their breath.

This study involved 25 dogs undergoing scent detection training, with two Red Golden Retrievers named Ivy and Callie showcasing exceptional abilities. They achieved up to 90% accuracy in differentiating between breath samples from individuals recalling traumatic experiences and those in a neutral state. The research suggests that dogs could have the potential to detect oncoming PTSD flashbacks, offering a new form of assistance to individuals with PTSD.

The participants, 26 in number, with over half meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria, were asked to recall past traumatic experiences while their breath was collected via a facemask. The findings reveal that some dogs can detect the subtle changes in scent associated with stress and trauma reactions, with Ivy and Callie standing out for their skill and motivation.

While the results from this pilot study are promising, further research and larger studies are required to validate these findings. Nonetheless, this innovative approach underscores the invaluable role that dogs can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing, especially for those suffering from PTSD. The success of Ivy and Callie in this study highlights the potential for utilizing dogs more effectively in PTSD therapy and assistance.