Internet-Based Survey on Physical Activity and Incidence of Injury in Active Working Dogs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: One hundred and nine respondents, to a survey on medical and preventive management of working dogs, reported a relatively low percentage of dogs submitted to a specific sports medical examination (36.4%) or to a generic orthopaedic examination (55.5%) before starting their professional activity (conditioning and competition). Injury incidence was relatively high (45.5%), even if mostly represented by mild muscular trauma; and preventive exercise or pre- and post-activity exercises (warm-up and cool-down phases) were performed sporadically. ABSTRACT: A survey with 100 multiple choice and open-ended questions was proposed by free access to working dogs’ handlers. One hundred and nine respondents were recorded and their dates processed. The most represented breeds were: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Border Collie and German Shepherds. Of these, 71.6% were intact dogs and 28.4% were spayed or neutered, with a median age range of 3–4 years. Furthermore, 55.5% had undergone early radiographic examinations for hip or elbow dysplasia diagnosis. The dogs performed the following activities: search and rescue on surface (59%), search and rescue on rubble (37%), Internationale Gebrauchshund Pruefung (IGP) (9%), man trailing (5%), sled dog (5%), search on avalanche (4%), dog towing (3%), canine shows (3%), hunting (2%), water rescue (1%), pet therapy (1%), wildlife conservation dog (1%), Mondioring (1%). Only 36.4% of respondents submitted their dogs to a specific sports medical examination and 55.5% to an orthopaedic examination. An injury incidence of 45.5% was recorded, generally related to mild musculoskeletal trauma. A limited number of handlers routinely performed warm-up and/or cool-down activities. A positive assessment emerged of the need for many respondents to attend and request education courses and updates on the proper health management of their dogs.