Scientists have trained two dogs to detect post-traumatic stress (PTS) by sniffing survivors’ breath with 90% accuracy.
Researchers trained Ivy, a Golden Retriever, and Callie, a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, to identify the scent of trauma reactions in human breath. The study showed that some dogs could detect these episodes through breath, allowing them to intervene earlier and more effectively. This new method leverages volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath, which change with stress levels.
This breakthrough could enhance the effectiveness of PTSD support dogs. PTSD, triggered by events like car crashes or terror attacks, causes symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.