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Health
A dog's health is one of the most important selection criteria for deployment in a dog unit. A healthy dog can reliably perform its tasks, has a longer service life and causes lower costs for medical care. This guide explains the essential health aspects that should be considered when selecting a dog breed for deployment in dog units.
Why Health is Crucial
The health of a service dog directly affects its deployability, performance and lifespan. A healthy dog can:
- Be reliably deployed for many years
- Handle high physical demands
- Better manage stressful situations
- Have fewer downtime periods due to illness
- Work more cost-effectively
Hereditary Diseases and Breed Predispositions
Many dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. These must be considered during selection, as they can significantly impair deployability.
Common Hereditary Diseases by Breed Groups
Health Examinations Before Selection
Before final selection of a dog for deployment in a dog unit, comprehensive health examinations must be conducted. These should consider both current health and potential future problems.
Checklist: Health Examination Before Selection
- Complete clinical examination by veterinarian
- X-rays of hip and elbow joints (HD/ED)
- Eye examination by specialists
- Heart examination (ECG, ultrasound)
- Genetic tests for breed-specific diseases
- Blood test (complete blood count, organ values)
- Examination of teeth and bite
- Check of musculoskeletal system
- Neurological examination
- Review of vaccinations and deworming
Important Examinations in Detail
Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
These joint diseases are common in many large dog breeds and can significantly impair deployability. The examination is performed through X-rays, which are evaluated by a specialized veterinarian.
HD Rating Scale:
- HD A: No signs of HD
- HD B: Transitional form, still acceptable
- HD C: Mild HD, conditionally acceptable
- HD D: Moderate HD, not suitable for deployment
- HD E: Severe HD, not suitable for deployment
ED Rating Scale:
- ED 0: No signs of ED
- ED I: Mild ED, still acceptable
- ED II: Moderate ED, conditionally acceptable
- ED III: Severe ED, not suitable for deployment
Eye Examinations
Many dog breeds are prone to hereditary eye diseases that can impair deployability. An examination by a specialized veterinarian (DACVO) is therefore essential.
Common Eye Diseases:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataract
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Glaucoma
Genetic Tests
Modern genetic tests can detect many hereditary diseases already in puppy age. This enables early selection of healthy animals.
Important Genetic Tests:
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Von Willebrand Disease
- MDR1 Defect (drug sensitivity)
Important: Genetic tests should be performed at the breeder's already, before a puppy is admitted to the dog unit
Preventive Health Measures
In addition to selecting healthy dogs, continuous health care is crucial for long-term deployability.
Regular Preventive Examinations
Nutrition and Weight Management
A balanced diet and avoiding obesity are crucial for a service dog's health. Obesity puts additional strain on the joints and can worsen existing problems.
Nutrition Guidelines:
- High-quality, breed-specific food
- Regular feeding times
- Portion control
- Avoiding treats between meals
- Regular weight monitoring
A healthy, lean dog has a significantly higher life expectancy and better deployability than an overweight dog
Exercise and Fitness
Regular, appropriate exercise is essential for a service dog's health. Exercise should be adapted to age, breed and health status.
Exercise Guidelines:
- Daily exercise units
- Varied activities
- Avoiding overexertion
- Adaptation to weather conditions
- Regular breaks
Age-Related Health Aspects
As age increases, the health requirements for a service dog change. Regular adjustments to deployment load and intensified health monitoring become necessary.
Health Monitoring in Old Age
Early signs of age-related diseases should be taken seriously to maintain the dog's quality of life
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Investment in a service dog's health pays off in the long term. A healthy dog has:
- Longer service life (on average 2-3 years more)
- Fewer downtime periods due to illness
- Lower medical costs
- Higher reliability in deployment
- Better quality of life
Summary: Health as Selection Criterion
Health is one of the most important selection criteria for dog breeds in dog units. Careful health examination before selection, regular preventive examinations and preventive measures are crucial for a service dog's long-term deployability.
Most Important Points:
- Conduct comprehensive health examination before selection
- Consider breed-specific diseases
- Plan regular preventive examinations
- Implement preventive measures (nutrition, exercise)
- Make age-related adjustments