Medical scent service dogs in training (SDiT) or fully trained (SD) are getting recognized as a great asset to our medical/dental profession. The ultimate goal for us as professionals is to find the best way possible to treat our patients in order to obtain the best outcome. In a world that everyone is trying to find the best way to help people, sometimes looking outside the box is a must.

Medical Scent SD or SDiT has been used to help or detect patients with C difficile (superbug), COVID-19, cancer, cortisol and others. This is outside the SD for diabetes, epilepsy, the blind, the physically challenged…

Unfortunately, the current laws and definitions are antiquated and don’t recognized these amazing animals as SD. Hospitals in NS don’t have policies that would allow these animals to help detect these patients and improve their medical outcome, yet this falls on deaf ears. This novel idea requires some open mindness and research to develop policy and procedures. Renowned dog trainers have been pushing for this without success. The use of these amazing animals is done in other provinces and other countries but not in NS. Even the NS definition of SD is antiquated and needs to be updated to follow what is being done around the world.

Our Medical scent (cortisol) service Dog in training has been working with us in private clinics and has shown some impressive outcomes. Our newest example is this lady who had previous diagnoses of breast cancer. She was seen at the clinic for a follow-up post-biopsy in her mouth which unfortunately was cancerous. While she was waiting, our SDiT, Finley, went to her without being asked (possibly due to her cortisol scent?) and sat with her while she cried. Although this was a small consolation, she was very thankful that he was there for her.

How do we change these old laws and definitions so more NS patients and Canadians can benefit from these dogs? Please start the conversation with MLA/Media…