Evaluation and Development of Military Working Dog Decontamination Kit

Military working dogs (MWDs) have been an integral part of the US military since its inception. Currently, these working dogs are assigned to every branch of the US military and are deployed worldwide. These dogs are frequently deployed into military field environments that can at times be quite hazardous. Current decontamination protocol relies on copious amount of soap and water which is beyond what can reasonably be carried by the individual or the canine during dismounted movement and tactical operations. Individual medical countermeasure items exist which are important tools for use after adsorption/poisoning of the dog. There is a clear need for immediate removal/reduction technology that is packaged in a format that provides the ability to remove operationally-relevant amounts of threat agents that will incapacitate or kill the MWD. TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop a MWD decontamination kit that will contain products and procedures which have been scientifically shown to remove toxic materials from fur and skin. Our goal is to provide a kit that is safe for the MWD and can be safely used by the handler in the field with no additional logistical support.