Dogs understand what you say and how you feel. There was a study done in Hungary that did functional MRIs on a group of dogs. Scanning the dog’s brain while the trainer was talking to them showed that the left hemisphere of their brain was to understand word. The right hemisphere of their brain processed the trainer’s pitch in the voice. Just like us, dogs can tell the difference in the pitch of someone’s voice. A dog can tell by the positive pitch that they are being praised. The trainer used a positive but neutral voice. This showed that the dog pays attention to what we say and the tone we use. Thirteen dogs of different species were researched. Other researches say that the research study should use a larger number of dogs.
Having epilepsy, I know that my dog understands me. He can tell when I have a bad day. My epilepsy can give me warnings. If I haven’t slept good for a few nights is one warning. My dog stays by my side. He doesn’t beg for anything but a belly rub once and a while. He wasn’t even trained to understand epilepsy.
Dr. Dean, a neurologist that I volunteer for, has a few dogs in her office. They help with the children that are not wanting to be seen. The dog helps calm them down so that the doctor and parents can talk. The dog also gives a signal about how the child interacts.
Some researchers say more studies on dogs are needed more in depth. I can tell you that I know personally that a dog understands how you feel and what would help you.
Dr. Dean has a dog show every year. Some of the dogs are dressed up letting the owners show their love for them, and show the dog off.
If you have a dog that helps your health. Send a picture to the Epilepsy Institute of NC.
1311 Westbrook Plaza Drive
Suite 100
PO Box 24458
Winston Salem, NC 27114-4458
or share by posting the picture on our visitors page on the website for the office. www.eiofnc.org
Thank you Winston-Salem Journal for the article.