Warning: This footage may be distressing to some
Incredible footage of a seizure dog warning her owner of an impending fit has been posted online.
Poppy, a dog who trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of epileptic fits, is seen ‘warning’ her owner, Shannon, of her seizure so that she is able to get herself into a calm and safe position.
According to Shannon’s sister, before Poppy, Shannon had no way of knowing when the seizures were coming and often endangered herself from being in unsafe conditions when they came.
“Up to 15-20 minutes before a seizure, Poppy will let my sister know by showing some distress,” her sister posted on Reddit.
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“Generally she does this by using her paws to distract my sister on her lower legs or uses her snout to press on the back of her knee.”
“Shannon will then have enough time to switch anything off and make herself safe,” added her sister.
“Before poppy came along, Shannon had no warning and would have took hours to come around,” she said.
Not only does Poppy warn Shannon of her seizures, she also helps her owner through them by staying by her side.
In the video, Poppy is seen comforting Shannon by pawing her and laying by her side. When the seizure begins, Poppy immediately jumps into action, licking Shannon’s mouth repeatedly.
“Poppy licks her mouth excessively for 2 reasons. 1, to help Shannon come around quicker and 2, to lick away excess saliva to help prevent her choking,” explained her sister.
“Poppy literally is a lifeline to Shannon and deserves a reward for her work.”
We agree! Bravo, Poppy!
