Training and Common Injuries of Urban Search and Rescue Dogs

Authors: Wyatt TH* , Wilkerson H , Gordon LE , Cole G , Henderson A and Millis D

DOI: doi.org/10.23880/oajvsr-16000112

Volume 1, Issue 2

Abstract

A keen sense of smell, excellent balance, and a strong desire to please humans are characteristics that have made dogs invaluable for search and rescue (SAR) operations since World War I. The need for land-based SAR is growing rapidly due to an increasing number of natural and urban disasters. There also are increasing numbers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and dementia who may require the assistance of SAR dogs. For these reasons, making the most of these valuable canine resources is becoming increasingly important. First, this article describes the skills of scent discrimination, tracking, trailing, or air scenting SAR dogs use to find people lost or in distress. Next is a discussion about SAR specialties and the rigorous physical and psychological abilities they require of canines. This is followed by the reasons Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is considered the most elite SAR canine specialty and the veterinary care these dogs require for pre-deployment, common deployment injuries, decontamination, and post-deployment. After a discussion of reported mission-related injuries and illnesses, current research is presented.

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