Comprehensive and Modular Military Working Dog Decontamination Kit

Future military engagements may involve use of toxic chemical threats such as chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, even pharmaceutical based agents. With their exceptional ability to sense and locate hazardous chemicals, military working dogs are an important asset for protection of personnel and can be deployed in response to a chemical event. Canines face significant danger if exposed to chemical agents so decontamination systems that eliminate the hazard quickly are a priority. Unfortunately, current methods for decontamination of military working dogs have limitations. This Phase I study demonstrated feasibility of a new self-contained decontamination kit for military working dogs that is effective against multiple agents. Studies conducted on cadavers demonstrated successful decontamination of chemical agent surrogates from ears, fur, nails, paw pads, and skin. Sensitive areas (eyes, nostrils, mouth etc.) were also decontaminated. The kit materials remain stable for extended periods and can be applied without harm to canine or handler. An indicator method is included to validate adequate levels of decontamination have been reached. Benefits of the kit include modularity, ease of manufacturing, affordability, and potential for rapid transition to DOD end-users. In Phase II we propose to further evolve the kit design in alignment with military end-user feedback.