Improving Military Working Dog Readiness and Performance with a Novel Cooling Technology

Military working dogs (MWD) serve on the battlefield as a force multiplier, performing specialized jobs beyond the capabilities of humans. Given the increased role MWDs have in military operations, their specific training, safety, and medical needs have become increasingly important as well. Heat stroke was identified as the leading cause of death from non-battle injury in Iraq & Afghanistan, the second most common cause of non-hostile action death in police canines, and accounted for 10% of overall injuries to MWDs. If a MWD sustains a heat stroke, the mortality rate is 50-64%, with elevated probability the K9 will never return to 100% capability.  Recent studies have also demonstrated a reduced canine olfactory (smelling) capability for detecting explosive compounds when panting from exercise. This study will research and develop a novel, evaporative cooling system that will enhance MWD training and safety during hot conditions by keeping the dog’s environment (trailer and kennel) cooler for both safety and better regulated breathing (non-panting) to increase training productivity..  RAEKOR proposes a better cooling system based on evaporative cooling, as opposed to traditional refrigerant-based HVAC systems, that saves money and increases the health and productivity generating MWD for combat missions.