Combat dogs suffer from PTSD
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As one who has had the privilege of sharing my life with dogs I can tell you they think, differently than us yes, but they feel their world, and suffer emotional turmoil just like us.
They miss us when we’re gone and happy to see us return. They will work tirelessly for the kind word or the welcome treat and they know sadness and fear. As a result of the things I have learned over my lifetime this story comes as no surprise:
Post-traumatic stress disorder doesn’t affect only humans: About 5% of the military’s 650 combat dogs have canine PTSD, reports the New York Times. The diagnosis itself is only about 18 months old and a bit controversial, but military veterinarians are seeing more and more dogs who can no longer perform duties such as sniffing out IEDS after a harrowing experience.
“If you want to put doggy thoughts into their heads,” says one expert, “the dog is thinking: when I see this kind of individual, things go boom, and I’m distressed.” Some can be coaxed back into training, but many have to return to the civilian world. For good reason: If the dogs are too afraid to do their jobs, it exposes their human pals to risk.
Remember that our furry friends suffer pain as well. If you are fortunate enough to have a dog as your best friend please care for him or her and consider their feelings when making decisions that might affect their lives. Finally, don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet.
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My friend sent me this link and I’m happy to have followed it. Thanks. My guy Ringo went through that and we almost had to put him down. He’s better now but older too. Maybe older is wiser. He’s a good boy. Thanks for posting this Mike. Semper fi…
Glad you liked it man. I’m an animal lover myself and couldn’t resist posting when I ran across it. Although not a marine I was Army, so allow me the liberty: Semper fi dude and I salute your service.