Can Military Working Dogs Suffer From PTSD After Combat?
Date
4-9-2022
Location
Schewel 2nd Floor Lobby
Description
There are currently an estimated 1,500 to 2,700 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) serving in the U.S. military. MWDs can be employed as explosive detection dogs (EDD), to track, patrol, or attack, as well as used in search and rescue. The most common MWDs are Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers given their heightened anxiety, controlled aggression, and increased olfactory system. During combat, MWDs can come face to face with explosions, attacks, and gunfire. When humans experience these events, they can potentially suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Like humans, MWDs can become traumatized from these events, causing their behavior to alter and, in many cases, making them unfit for military performance. This presentation will argue that combat-related trauma or stress can cause Canine PTSD in MWDs.
Presentation Type
Poster
Can Military Working Dogs Suffer From PTSD After Combat?
Schewel 2nd Floor Lobby
There are currently an estimated 1,500 to 2,700 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) serving in the U.S. military. MWDs can be employed as explosive detection dogs (EDD), to track, patrol, or attack, as well as used in search and rescue. The most common MWDs are Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers given their heightened anxiety, controlled aggression, and increased olfactory system. During combat, MWDs can come face to face with explosions, attacks, and gunfire. When humans experience these events, they can potentially suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Like humans, MWDs can become traumatized from these events, causing their behavior to alter and, in many cases, making them unfit for military performance. This presentation will argue that combat-related trauma or stress can cause Canine PTSD in MWDs.