Fido’s Favorite Jobs

June 25th is Take Your Dog To Work Day! While most of our canine pals earn their keep by just being playful and adorable pets and companions, Man’s Best Friend actually does have a pretty long and impressive resume. Dogs have been our helpers and companions for thousands of years, and they’ve worked in many different sectors. A Fort Myers, FL veterinarian lists some of the key ones in this article.

Herder

One of Fido’s first jobs was helping us herd livestock and cattle. Many of our furry buddies still work in this field, and can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to helping move cattle. Herding dogs are typically very smart, so they tend to do very well at other jobs. You may notice your furry buddy trying to corral your family members and other pets.

Hunter/Tracker

This was another of Fido’s early gigs, and one that may have come quite naturally to him. In the wild, dogs’ ancestor, the wolf, works closely with their packs to hunt their prey. Dogs may have been helping humans put food on the table for as long as 20,000 years. Even today, many pups accompany their humans on hunting trips.

Guardian

Man’s Best Friend is also a wonderful watchdog. While there are certainly many formidable guard dogs out there, smaller pups are also often naturally protective of their homes and humans. Even a tiny Chihuahua will bark to let you know there’s someone at the door, and will carefully ‘vet’ guests as they arrive.

Search/Rescue

This is another area where our canine companions shine. Man’s Best Friend has saved thousands—perhaps millions—of lives over the years. Some dogs, such as the Saint Bernard, were developed specifically to help rescue people in certain circumstances. Others, like the Bloodhound, are absolute masters at following trails.

Companion/Helper

Many different doggy jobs fall under this umbrella. Dogs excel in as guide, service, comfort, and support animals. The average pup can also be a huge source of comfort and companionship for us. Fido has a way of knowing when his human pals are down. He may put a paw on your leg to show support when you’re sad, or just stick extra close to you.

Call us, your Fort Myers, FL pet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. We’re here for you!