How To Collect Saliva Samples - Migraine Alert Service Dog Training

[@Gugamarc]

Very didactic! it's worth writing down everything to follow the steps and be able to start training your dog / Congrats 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@luciagchaves]

Thank you for posting these videos They are so detailed and helpful. I wonder if you are Brazilian like me ;) Mariana is a common name in Brazil.

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Muito obrigada, Lucia!

[@ThadtGirl]

Wow thanks

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Happy to help! 😊

[@jasonsin5624]

But what if you don't have any pre symptoms? Will samples work from direct migraine?

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Samples do work from direct migraine :)

[@emilynett06]

I don't have room or money for another freezer, would clearing half of my freezer for samples still be good enough to train?

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Yes, no problem! Just make sure that the half you free up has nothing else than your samples (no food, etc.).

[@emilynett06]

Great, thank you so much!@@PawsitivePawsome

[@hay_Z2021]

​@PawsitivePawsome how long would a sample last in a small fridge?

[@PawsitivePawsome]

@021 The samples wouldn't last long or be reliable if stored in the fridge. They need to be frozen and stored in a freezer (you could use the freezer section of your small fridge as long as it doesn't have food in it). Once frozen and if left untouched, they can last for up to a year. If used/touched, they can last for up to 3 training sessions of 5 minutes each - as long as they are frozen again after each use and if no food residue/other smells are left on them.

[@dorinatravis]

Do you have any videos on how to train a dog for seizures? I can’t find any video 😢

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Unfortunately not for seizures specifically, but the overall training steps and process should be fairly similar to migraine scent training, as long as you adjust to your specific seizure needs! For instance, instead of being able to collect the scent sample yourself, you might need the help of someone else to collect it for you at the beginning of an episode. Hope this helps!

[@sarahhonan5346]

When it comes time to do a training session, do you open the ziploc bag for the dog to sniff it or do you keep it closed since they can likely smell it through the bag?

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Hi Sarah! Thanks for your comment. You should either hold the sample in your hand or use a tin. I cover it in more details in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ-anqGgrtCkhqM&ab_channel=Pawsitive%26Pawsome . Hope this helps!