Many working dogs in Northern Ireland, including assistance, police, and farm dogs, continue their duties over Christmas, providing vital support and safety while their families ensure they also enjoy festive treats and love.
A study has found that dogs can be trained to detect stress-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath, potentially identifying the onset of PTSD flashbacks with over 70% accuracy. This suggests that assistance dogs could offer earlier intervention during PTSD episodes by detecting specific stress markers, highlighting the potential for more effective PTSD management. The study also opens avenues for further research into the biochemical signals associated with PTSD symptoms and how dogs can be trained to respond to them.