Doping in dog sports
It is generally known that people try to increase their performance in sport by doping with various drugs and often resort to substances that are actually forbidden.
However, doping is not only widespread among humans, but also quite common in dog sports. For this reason, the VDH has decided in 2012 to carry out regular doping tests on dogs at competitions and thus contribute to fair conditions of participation.
Doping substances prohibited in dog sports according to VDH
The VDH maintains a list of numerous substances that are considered doping substances and whose use is therefore prohibited when participating in official competitions.
Among the prohibited substances that the VDH regards as doping substances are
- Substances with effects on the nervous system
- Substances having an effect on the cardiovascular system
- Substances having an effect on the digestive tract
- Substances having an effect on the locomotor system
- Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents
- Antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals
- anticoagulants
- Preparations with a cell-damaging effect
- Diuretics
- muscle relaxants
- Antihistamines
- Respiratory stimulants
- Anabolic steroids
- Local anaesthetics
- Corticosteroids
- Endocrine secretions and their synthetic homologues
- Sex hormones (except preparations to prevent heat)
If a sporting dog is undergoing veterinary treatment at the time of the competition and is therefore taking medication from the VDH list, the handler must fill out a form in advance and have the necessity of the medication confirmed by the vet.
Based on the information provided by the owner, the responsible doping veterinarian will then check whether the dog concerned can still participate. The veterinarian uses the respective half-life of the respective medication as a basis for his decision.
What happens in the event of a positive doping test in the dog?
If substances are found in a dog during a doping test that are banned according to the VDH's list of substance groups, the affected dog will be banned from participating in VDH competitions for six months to three years.
This also applies to the owner of the animal. If the owner owns other dogs, they are also banned for the corresponding period. In addition, the name of the doping offender and the ban imposed on him/her will be published and reported to the FCI.
Natural alternatives for better performance in dog sports without doping
Of course, owners of sport dogs try to optimise the performance of their animals and get the best out of them. However, resorting to doping substances is clearly the wrong method. After all, the intake of performance-enhancing substances represents a serious health risk for the dog. In addition, the spread of doping not only harms the dog concerned, but also dog sport in general.
We therefore recommend that you rely on natural dietary supplements for sport dogs from Bellfor. Our products are characterised by their perfectly balanced composition of high-quality ingredients and are also used, for example, by Jule Prins, the European and world champion in canicross.
Fitness powder from Bellfor
Our Fitness Powder is an easily digestible protein powder with insect protein from the larvae of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), which provides your sporting dog with important amino acids. Bellfor Fitness Powder can help to promote muscle growth, prevent muscle breakdown and support the regeneration of your athletically active four-legged friend.
Fitness bars from Bellfor
Our fitness bars contain a mixture of medium-chain fatty acids and well-tolerated carbohydrates. They are ideal for supplying energy during endurance sports and help your dog to reach the finish line without any problems, even over longer distances.
Joints & Bones from Bellfor
For all the pleasure that participation in dog sports may bring you, you should never forget that regular physical exertion places a considerable strain on your dog's musculoskeletal system. With our Joint & Bone Capsules with Ovopet you can supply the joints of your four-legged friend with valuable nutrients and thus counteract excessive wear and tear in a natural way.
Our conclusion on the subject of doping in dog sport
As you can see, there are certain rules in dog sport with regard to doping, and failure to comply with them can sometimes result in a ban for several years. Apart from this, the administration of doping substances is, of course, sometimes associated with considerable risks for the dog.
We therefore recommend that you limit yourself to regular training and a diet that meets your dog's needs. In addition to a high-energy dog food such as Bellfor Premium Pur Aktiv, you can also use our high-quality dietary supplements for sporting dogs for this purpose.
In this way, you will not harm your dog or the sport itself and you will be able to compete fairly with the other competition participants.
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