K-9 heat exhaustion

[Peace]

http://www.wkrn.com/story/23401654/k-9-officer-in-critical-condition

I love dogs, and this sometimes happens even with great care. but a pursuit in 90deg sunshine!? The article says they "rotated dogs, but this k-9 collapsed after only 20min". a malanois running a trail for 20min straight in 90deg heat!!! ? Seems to me that if the citizen public is liable for assault of an officer when defending themselves against the teeth of an "attacking" dog, then those overseeing this team out to be held accountable when ordering or authorizing this stuff - treating these pups as expendable. Without knowing more specifics, it is at most, questionable, but I do not think the pup was accorded the respect of an officer. Seems to be a bit of a double standard.

[TMF]

Let's not judge the handler. He, above anyone else, would not want something like this to happen. The handler perhaps misjudged the conditions. It happens. They go through a lot of training together which allows the handler to have a pretty good idea how hard the dog can work before it needs to break. We don't have all the facts. One thing I'm sure of is that handler is beside himself with grief over his partner.

[Peace]

Agreed.. that is why I am questioning the overall dynamic of it. I apologize if it comes across as anything else.

[TMF]

Agreed.. that is why I am questioning the overall dynamic of it. I apologize if it comes across as anything else.

Between Iraq and Afghanistan I've been around dozens of working dogs operating in much worse temps than 90 degrees for much longer stretches that 20 minutes. They can do it, but it takes a lot of attention from the handler. It's the totality of the situation that cues the handler when to take a break for the sake of the dog. Mals have such a drive that they might not show any signs until they are beyond hear exhaustion, so it's difficult for handlers to tell sometimes, especially if they believes the animal was well hydrated prior to the track. I'm betting that dog was going full bore up until it collapsed and the handler likely considered cutting it short prior to that but thought the dog was working just fine and could continue.

[tartanphantom]

For this reason, the RCSO has now made cooling vests a priority for all K-9 officers.

[Peace]

Mals have such a drive that they might not show any signs until they are beyond hear exhaustion, so it's difficult for handlers to tell sometimes, especially if they believes the animal was well hydrated prior to the track. I'm betting that dog was going full bore up until it collapsed and the handler likely considered cutting it short prior to that but thought the dog was working just fine and could continue.

That is exactly what concerns me about running one in the heat. A good, well-loved, well-handled working/sporting dog is fiercely loyal to the task given him/her.

Good on RCSO for the cooling vests.