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PTSD in Military Working Dogs

In my new release, MEN UNDER FIRE, Sgt. Nick Welby isn’t the only veteran returning home from Afghanistan with PTSD. His partner Talley, a bomb-sniffing canine, is also struggling to overcome Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Nick and Talley are strong characters in their own right and well-suited to the perilous plot in this story, but as an avid dog-lover, there was deeper motivation behind the creation of these two characters. I wanted to raise awareness about the struggle many of our two-legged and four-legged veterans face when they return home from active duty.

PTSD has become a well-known condition in the decades following military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both human and canine veterans require intensive support, therapy and treatment in order to manage the symptoms of PTSD.  For dogs, these symptoms may include:

• Extreme fearful or emotional reactions
• Aggression
• Hyper-vigilance
• Anxiety
• Physical behavior such as panting, pacing, sleep issues

Researchers, including psychiatrists, statisticians and veterinary behaviorists, are finding anecdotal evidence that indicates PTSD can affect service animals much like it impacts humans. Dogs who are identified as having PTSD may receive medication in addition to conditioning/behavior modification to unlearn a PTSD behavior Approximately 50 percent of these dogs return to active duty, with the remainder being reassigned, retired or adopted out.

Not everyone is convinced “canine PTSD” is a real issue. It doesn’t matter what label or title is applied to the skittish, stressed out behavior exhibited by dogs returning from active military duty. What does matter is making sure all of our veterans–human and canine–receive the care, support and respect they need to return to a happy, fulfilled life. For more information, check out these resources:

Canine PTSD Blog
Integrative Veterinary Car Journal
Veterinary Practice News

Thank you for your service, Woof!

Dogs have been used in war from since the start of civilization. The Greeks and Romans used dogs as sentries or patrols, although they were also taken into battle. It was during the Seminole Wars that dogs were first officially used in the U.S. military. Since then, dogs have served as messengers, guard dogs and propaganda mascots. They have also been used in experimental medical treatments, detection and tracking, scouts, law enforcement, search and rescue, drug and explosives detection, therapy dogs and for intimidation purposes.

The bond between handlers and their combat canines is extraordinary, and holds special significance. Because many handlers and canines rotate through platoons or join units that have been together for months, even years, they are often outsiders. The strength of this partnership makes it easier to endure the feeling of being an outsider.

For injured and wounded veterans, dog therapy has proven exceptionally effective in aiding in recovery from PTSD. They also serve as companion animals and service dogs.

Dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and faithfulness. These characteristics are what make military dogs four-legged heroes.

In Honor of Our Veterans...

Dogs on Deployment president greeted by her 3 dogs after her own deployment!
-Via SeattleDogSpot.com

My next book Women Under Fire is about a Veteran suffering from PTSD who disappears. Grayce Walters with the help from the missing woman’s cat search for the emotionally fragile veteran in the homeless underground of Seattle.

Women Under Fire Second in the Grayce Walters Series will be released Summer of 2014.