Care

Regular and professional care of service dogs is a fundamental pillar for their health, performance, and well-being. A well-groomed service dog is not only healthier but also significantly more efficient in deployment. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of service dog care in K9 units.

Why care is so important

Service dog care goes far beyond mere aesthetics. It is essential for:

• Health prevention: Regular care enables early detection of health problems
• Performance: A well-groomed dog can perform its tasks optimally
• Operational readiness: Professional care ensures the dog is always ready for deployment
• Longevity: Good care significantly extends the dog's active service life
• Team bonding: Care strengthens the relationship between handler and dog

Grooming

Grooming forms the foundation of the entire care routine. It encompasses several important areas that must be performed regularly.

Coat care

Coat care depends on the breed and coat type of the service dog. While short-haired breeds like the German Shepherd require less effort, long-haired breeds like the Golden Retriever require significantly more attention.

Frequency of coat care:

Coat care checklist:

• Daily inspection for parasites (ticks, fleas)
• Regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair
• Inspection for skin irritations or injuries
• Removal of matting in long-haired breeds
• Inspection of skin for redness, dandruff, or eczema
• Care of undercoat in double-coated breeds

Bathing

Bathing service dogs should not be done too frequently, as it can affect the natural protective layer of the skin. Frequency depends on soiling and deployment area.

Guidelines for bathing:

• Normal soiling: Every 4-6 weeks
• Heavy soiling after deployment: Immediately after deployment
• Medical baths: As directed by veterinarian
• Dry shampoo: For light soiling between baths

Important points when bathing:

1. Use special dog shampoo (pH-neutral)
2. Water temperature should be lukewarm (approx. 37°C)
3. Thoroughly rinse all shampoo residue
4. Careful drying, especially in the ears
5. Check for skin irritation after bathing

Ear care

Ear care is particularly important, as many service dogs are prone to ear infections. Regular inspection and cleaning can prevent serious problems.

Weekly ear inspection:

• Detect redness or swelling
• Identify unusual odors
• Identify excessive soiling
• Observe behavioral changes (head shaking, scratching)

Cleaning process:

1. Use special ear cleaners for dogs
2. Soak a cotton pad or cloth with the cleaner
3. Carefully clean the visible areas of the ear flap
4. Avoid entering the ear canal
5. Thoroughly dry the ears

Dental care

Dental care is often neglected but crucial for the service dog's health. Dental problems can lead to serious health complications.

Teeth cleaning

Regular teeth cleaning should be part of the weekly care routine. Modern methods make dental care easier and more effective.

Teeth cleaning methods:

Step-by-step guide to teeth cleaning:

1. Gradually accustom the dog to dental care
2. Use only dog toothpaste (no human toothpaste!)
3. Start with short sessions (30 seconds)
4. Gradually increase duration to 2-3 minutes
5. Reward the dog after each cleaning
6. Regularly check for tartar formation

Dental inspection

Regular dental inspection enables early detection of problems before they become serious.

Signs of dental problems:

• ❌ Bad breath
• ❌ Redness or swelling of the gums
• ❌ Tartar formation
• ❌ Difficulty eating
• ❌ Excessive drooling
• ❌ Tooth discoloration

Nail care

Nail care is essential for the mobility and comfort of the service dog. Nails that are too long can lead to misalignment, pain, and injuries.

Nail trimming

Trimming nails requires practice and caution. If uncertain, a veterinarian or professional groomer should always be consulted.

When do nails need to be trimmed?

• Nails touch the ground when standing
• Nails are visibly curved
• The dog shows signs of discomfort when walking
• Regularly every 2-4 weeks (depending on activity and surface)

Safety guidelines:

1. Use special nail clippers for dogs
2. Identify the "quick" (living tissue in the nail)
3. Cut only the white/transparent part of the nail
4. Keep styptic powder ready (for emergencies)
5. Reward the dog after each successful trimming

Nail inspection

Regular inspection of nails should be part of the weekly care routine.

Inspection points:

• Length of nails
• Cracks or breaks
• Inflammation in the nail bed
• Foreign objects between toes
• General condition of paws

Care routine for handlers

A structured care routine helps to regularly perform all important aspects of care and not forget anything.

Daily care routine

Morning (5-10 minutes):

1. Check general condition
2. Brief coat inspection for parasites
3. Inspection of eyes and ears
4. Paw inspection after walk

Evening (10-15 minutes):

1. Thorough coat care (brushing)
2. Removal of dirt and parasites
3. Inspection for injuries
4. Relaxing massage (optional)

Weekly care routine

Comprehensive care (30-45 minutes):

1. Intensive brushing of entire coat
2. Ear cleaning
3. Teeth cleaning (2-3x per week)
4. Nail inspection
5. Inspection of all body areas
6. Documentation of abnormalities

Monthly care routine

Intensive care (60-90 minutes):

1. Professional bath (if needed)
2. Thorough coat care including detangling
3. Comprehensive dental inspection
4. Nail trimming (if needed)
5. Complete health inspection
6. Update health passport

Special care for different deployment areas

Depending on the deployment area, service dogs require special care measures.

Post-deployment care

After each deployment, special aftercare should be performed:

Immediate measures after deployment:

1. Removal of dirt and foreign objects
2. Inspection for injuries
3. Cleaning of paws
4. Inspection of eyes and ears
5. Relaxing coat care

Intensive aftercare (for heavy soiling):

1. Full bath with special shampoo
2. Thorough cleaning of all body areas
3. Inspection for skin irritations
4. Documentation of abnormalities

Care for different seasons

Care must be adapted to the seasons:

Documentation and health passport

Documentation of all care measures is essential for traceability and the health of the service dog.

What should be documented:

• Date and type of care measures performed
• Abnormalities or changes
• Products used
• Dog's reactions to care measures
• Appointments for next care measures