EEG Data Show Dogs Boost Working Memory Task Performance in Police Officers With PTSD

Charlotte Witjes-Roelofs measured EEG during a letter n-back test in officers with and without PTSD. Those with PTSD performed the task more accurately and with altered frontal activity when their dog was nearby; the reverse occurred in controls. Qualitative interviews added that both trained assistance dogs and family dogs reduced subjective tension and improved perceived safety. The study design was small, single-site, and lacked randomization or long-term symptom tracking.

The findings align with earlier observational work on service dogs for veterans (e.g., JAMA Network Open 2022 VA cohort) yet extend the evidence to first responders and add an objective cognitive endpoint. Limitations include unknown sample size, no active control condition, and reliance on self-reported calm. Funding came from the Dutch Police Academy, raising questions about generalizability to other agencies.

A companion-dog training module has already been added to Dutch police PTSD support. Next steps require a multi-center RCT with 12-month PTSD Checklist scores and wearable cortisol to test durability and dose-response. Without such data, policy expansion to fire or EMS services remains premature.

Broader patterns suggest animals function as adjunctive rather than replacement supports; integration with existing EMDR or CBT protocols needs formal testing.