10 Dog Breeds That Can Help During a Sudden Heart Attack

A dog cannot diagnose a heart attack, treat one, or replace emergency medical care. If someone has chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness, the American Heart Association says emergency help should be called immediately.

But a well-trained dog can still matter in a crisis. Some service dogs can be trained to alert others, bring a phone, press an emergency button, stay with their handler, or respond when a person becomes weak or unresponsive. The breed is never enough on its own, but temperament, trainability, size, and calmness can make some breeds especially suitable for this kind of support.