MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- October is National Pet Wellness Month and while the definition of “pet” goes far beyond dogs, Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Broszda (Bros – duh) assigned to the 7358th Veterinary Division explains what breeds of dog are used in military service.
Not all dogs make the cut for military service.
The care and feeding of military dogs is similar to household dogs with two exceptions. Military dogs tend to be fitter and leaner than the home variety. Military dogs’ teeth are considered part of their operating equipment so they will get root canals whereas a domestic doggy with tooth problems will most likely have the offending tooth pulled.
Typically, when a military dog has finished its service, it will be adopted by its handler as a civilian pet.