Dogs with jobs have special requirements regarding veterinary exams and treatment, and new guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association are giving those air. Their focus is on five groups of working dogs: protection canines; scent-detection dogs; service dogs for folks with disabilities; therapy dogs and emotional support dogs.
For example, medications that alter a dog’s sense of smell may be off limits for scent-detection dogs. Similarly, lingering effects of sedation can impact the function of protection canines or service dogs. The guidelines also address the safety of veterinarians, pointing out that certain working dogs are trained to be highly reactive.
At the heart of the guidelines is the fact that these dogs are very bonded to their people. So, these folks should be a key part of the veterinary collaboration.