Helping to build a hero: Working with working dogs
Fetch dvm360 conference in San Diego afforded attendees a chance to see fire department dogs in action, and learn key tips to care for these extra special veterinary patients.
We pounced on the opportunity to attend a special session at Fetch dvm360 conference in San Diego on caring for working dogs. Bess Pierce, DVM, DABVP, DACVIM, DACVSMR, and Margaret Stewart with the Los Angeles Fire Department brought in two dogs-Bo, a live find dog, and Veya, a cadaver dog. First, listen to a few key pointers Dr. Pierce and Stewart shared with attendees on how to handle a working dog if one comes into your veterinary clinic. A quick note on muzzling (one of the tips!): it's best to use basket muzzles.
Next, see the two talented girls in action. Stewart worked both Bo and Veya through some of the exercises they train dogs with to prepare them to help in rescue efforts, from showing studied control while moving from platform to platform under Stewart's voice command ...
... to seeking and finding a volunteer audience member within simulated rubble.
