Preventive Examinations

Introduction

Preventive examinations are a central component of health care for service dogs in dog units. Regular veterinary check-ups ensure not only the well-being of the animals, but also their operational readiness and performance. A systematic preventive program enables early detection of diseases, timely treatment of complaints, and long-term maintenance of the health of service dogs.

For dog units, preventive examinations have special significance, as the dogs are exposed to high physical and psychological stress. Only healthy, capable animals can reliably fulfill their tasks and contribute to the success of operations.

Significance of Preventive Examinations

Health Aspects

Preventive examinations serve to detect diseases and health problems early. Through regular check-ups, diseases can be diagnosed at an early stage when treatment chances are best. This applies particularly to chronic conditions such as joint problems, cardiovascular diseases, or metabolic disorders.

Ensuring Operational Readiness

For service dogs, continuous operational readiness is of crucial importance. Preventive examinations help to detect health limitations in time and initiate appropriate measures. A sick or injured dog cannot only fail to fulfill its tasks, but also poses a risk to the team and the public.

Legal and Insurance Aspects

Regular preventive examinations are often legally required and relevant for insurance purposes. Complete documentation of health conditions can be of crucial importance in insurance cases or legal disputes.

Types of Preventive Examinations

Basic Examination

The basic examination includes a comprehensive physical examination of the dog. The veterinarian checks:

• General condition and behavior
• Body weight and body condition
• Skin and coat
• Eyes, ears, and nose
• Teeth and gums
• Heart and circulation
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Nervous system

Extended Examinations

Extended examinations may be necessary depending on the age, breed, and deployment area of the dog. These include:

• Blood tests (blood count, liver and kidney values, thyroid values)
• Urine tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound examinations
• Heart examinations (ECG, cardiac ultrasound)
• Eye examinations
• Dental examinations

Special Examinations

Special examinations are performed as needed, for example when certain diseases are suspected or before special deployments. These can include:

• Orthopedic examinations
• Neurological examinations
• Allergy tests
• Genetic examinations
• Performance diagnostics

Examination Frequency

Annual Routine Examinations

Annual routine examinations are mandatory for all service dogs. These should ideally be performed at a fixed time of year to ensure continuous monitoring.

More Frequent Examinations

For older dogs, dogs with pre-existing conditions, or dogs with increased stress, more frequent examinations may be necessary. Generally, semi-annual or quarterly check-ups are recommended.

Examinations Before Deployments

Before special deployments or after longer breaks, additional examinations should be performed to confirm operational readiness.

Examination Procedure

Preparation

Before the examination, all relevant information about the dog should be gathered:

• Previous examination results
• Vaccination status
• Current medications
• Behavioral abnormalities
• Changes in daily routine

Execution

The examination is performed systematically:

1. Medical history interview with the dog handler
2. General physical examination
3. Specific examinations according to indication
4. Documentation of all findings
5. Discussion of results
6. Recommendations for further measures

Follow-up

After the examination:

• All findings are documented
• Recommendations are made
• Appointments for follow-up examinations are scheduled
• Treatments are initiated if necessary

Documentation

Health Passport

A health passport is an important document for every service dog. It contains:

• All examination results
• Vaccinations
• Treatments
• Medications
• Special findings
• Recommendations

Digital Documentation

Modern dog units use digital systems for documenting health data. This enables:

• Quick access to all data
• Easy analysis of trends
• Automatic reminders for examination appointments
• Exchange with other veterinarians

Common Findings

Normal Findings

Most examinations yield normal findings, which are documented to create a basis for later comparisons.

Abnormal Findings

Abnormal findings can be:

• Minor deviations that should be monitored
• Diseases that require treatment
• Limitations of operational readiness
• Need for further examinations

Costs and Financing

Cost Structure

The costs for preventive examinations vary depending on the scope of the examination. A basic examination typically costs between 80 and 150 euros, extended examinations can be significantly more expensive.

Financing

The financing of preventive examinations is typically provided by:

• The dog unit organization
• Public funds
• Insurance
• Donations

Checklist for Preventive Examinations

Special Aspects for Service Dogs

Stress-Dependent Examinations

Service dogs are subject to special stresses that must be considered in examinations:

• Physical stress from training and deployments
• Psychological stress from stressful situations
• Environmental stresses
• Accident risks

Deployment-Specific Requirements

Depending on the deployment area, specific health requirements may exist:

• Rescue dogs need special endurance
• Protection dogs need physical strength
• Detection dogs need an intact sense of smell

Cooperation with Veterinarians

Veterinarian Selection

The selection of a suitable veterinarian is important. They should:

• Have experience with service dogs
• Understand the specific requirements
• Be available for emergencies
• Maintain good communication with the team

Continuous Care

Continuous care by the same veterinarian enables:

• Better understanding of individual needs
• Earlier recognition of changes
• Trusting cooperation

Last Update: October 21, 2025