If a K-9 handler notices something different with their dog, what should they do?

In situations where a K-9 handler detects something unusual about their dog, monitoring the behavior or physical condition over a period of time, such as 3-5 days, provides a valuable insight into whether the issue is temporary or might require attention. Observing the dog allows the handler to assess if the changes persist, improve, or worsen, which can significantly inform subsequent actions. For instance, if the condition appears to resolve, it may have been a minor issue; however, if it continues or escalates, this could indicate a more serious problem that necessitates professional evaluation.

Monitoring also enables the handler to gather information about any specific behaviors, symptoms, or patterns that emerge over several days, making it easier to convey relevant details to a veterinarian if that course of action becomes necessary later.

While contacting a veterinarian immediately can certainly be prudent in cases of serious or concerning symptoms, it is generally advisable to first observe and document the changes. Changing the dog's food should be approached with caution unless there is already knowledge about a dietary issue affecting the dog. Conducting a thorough examination can be an important step, but this should ideally follow initial monitoring to determine what specific symptoms or changes warrant a closer inspection. Therefore, the approach of monitoring for a few days serves