Use of search and rescue dogs in society

Four-legged friends are not only excellent pets, but also play an important role in other areas of society. The help of search and rescue dogs is invaluable in natural disasters. Some experts believe that in such situations, one dog is able to do more work than 20 people.

Search dogs can cover a much larger area than humans, and because their senses of smell, sight, and hearing are many times stronger than those of humans, they are able to pick up signs of life more subtly.

The fact that these animals work faster than humans is a major factor in improving human survival in natural disasters, in particular avalanches. According to statistics, more than 90% of the victims survive if they are found within 15 minutes of falling under the rubble. This figure drops sharply to 30% if people are found only after 30 minutes.

Search and rescue dogs are usually trained to perform one of two tasks: scent tracking or area scouring. It requires different skills and different training. If a person is lost in the wilderness, a search and rescue dog is able to find the missing person by sniffing the object that belonged to him and following the scent until he locates it.

After an earthquake or avalanche, search and rescue dogs are used to quickly search for any people who may have been trapped under the rubble. In such situations, pets work by sniffing and instinctively picking up any human scent in the disaster area. After the dog points out the location, the rescue team begins excavations to find people trapped under the rubble.

Most often, in search and rescue operations, pets bred for hunting and performing herding duties are used. The fact is that they, as a rule, have the necessary energy and zeal. However, with proper training, any dog ​​with the right temperament can become a search and rescue dog.

The most important aspect of training a search and rescue dog is training. Such pets must have impeccable obedience and be mentally and physically ready for work. They must be prepared for a range of different scenarios, from earthquakes and urban disasters to avalanches and searches for people lost in the wild.

Working in disaster areas is stressful for both humans and animals involved in search and rescue efforts. Therefore, maintaining the highest levels of physical health and emotional well-being in these four-legged friends is critical.

All pets, whether they are hardworking search and rescue dogs or house companions, need proper nutrition. This will help them live long and healthy lives. That’s why Hill’s is committed to producing science-based dog food for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages. Visit our site to find out more.