Service dogs in a matched survey were more physically active and had higher odds of being fed grain-free diets than companion dogs.

Abstract

Objective: There is a strong, bidirectional relation between the health outcomes of service dogs and their human handlers. Despite this relation, limited information is available on service dog health. This study assesses differences in health status, diet, and physical activity among service dogs and companion dogs.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the Dog Aging Project's Health and Life Experiences Survey, using data collected on or before December 31, 2021. Service dogs and companion dogs were matched on signalment. Descriptive statistics, conditional logistic regression, and Poisson regression were estimated to assess health differences.

Results: 240 canines were in each group. A higher prevalence of service dog owners reported annual household income of less than $39,999. Owners in both groups reported their dogs' health to be very good to excellent, and almost 50% of each group used daily joint supplements. Service dogs had a higher adjusted OR of ever being on a grain-free diet (1.98; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.33), 15% more total minutes of daily physical activity, and longer leashed physical activity compared to companion dogs.

Conclusions: Service dogs in this matched cohort had higher activity levels, greater odds of grain-free diet exposure, yet similar prevalence of joint supplementation to companion dogs. Further studies are needed to elucidate functional impacts on both handlers and service dogs and to limit inherent selection bias.

Clinical relevance: This study adds to the relatively limited evidence base regarding service dog health outcomes. The distinct lifestyle patterns of service dogs may warrant tailored veterinary monitoring and client communication, particularly for nutritional and musculoskeletal health.