Exercise-induced hyperthermia is a critical concern for working dogs, especially during high-intensity activities. This condition can lead to severe health risks if not addressed promptly. A recent study aimed to evaluate field-applicable cooling methods to treat this condition effectively. The study involved 12 working dogs subjected to exercise until they reached a core body temperature of 40.6 °C or displayed signs of heat stress.
Study Design
This randomized, crossover study assessed four distinct cooling protocols after exercise: (1) neck chemical ice packs, (2) wet (22 °C) neck towels, (3) wet (22 °C) axillae towels, and (4) voluntary head immersion (“dunking”) in 22 °C water. Following the cooling interventions, dogs were monitored during a 40-minute rest period to evaluate the effectiveness of each method in reducing core body temperature.
Findings
The findings were significant. The voluntary head dunking method, which included controlled water ingestion, resulted in the lowest mean core temperature within the first 5 minutes post-exercise. This method was the only cooling protocol that prevented an initial post-exercise temperature rise. All methods ultimately enabled the dogs to return to baseline temperatures, but the dunking protocol excelled in providing rapid cooling.
The study concluded that trained voluntary head dunking with limited water ingestion is the most effective cooling method for dogs experiencing exercise-induced hyperthermia in field situations. This technique is particularly beneficial for dogs with normal mental status, allowing them to pause panting and effectively cool down.
Clinical Relevance
The principle of “Cool first, transport second” is crucial in mitigating the morbidity and mortality associated with acute heat injuries. The trained voluntary head dunk serves as a practical solution when whole-body immersion is not feasible. It effectively prevents post-exercise temperature rises and rapidly reduces core body temperature within the first critical minutes.
Recommendations for Practitioners
Veterinarians should consider incorporating these findings into their practice, particularly for working dogs engaged in strenuous activities. While the dunking method has shown superior results, other methodssuch as allowing dogs to drink controlled amounts of cool water and pouring water over their headsmay provide additional benefits. However, these alternative methods require further investigation to establish their efficacy.
As heat stress remains a pressing issue in canine health, understanding and implementing effective cooling strategies is essential. The results of this study highlight the importance of timely and appropriate interventions in enhancing the well-being of working dogs.
