Issue 2 | March/April 2017 | $9.95
INTEGRATION
OF SWAT
AND CANINE THE EVOLUTION OF K9
Blurred Lines
Core Competencies of an Effective K9 Trainer
Modern Approach to Training Part 1: Obedience
Handler Fitness 5 Foundational Principles for Every Exercise Plan
Fueling Performance KEEP YOUR DOG HYDRATED By Russ Kelley, MS & Jill Cline, PhD Royal Canin
N
utrition is a common topic in the working dog world. How much protein? What percentage of fat? When to feed? Should I use a dry or raw diet, perhaps a mixture? These are common questions that are debated often and sometimes with vigor. But what about water? Water is by far the most required nutrient in nature and is unfortunately not part of the typical discussions on nutrition for the working dog. Water requirements will vary greatly depending upon a dog’s activity and environmental conditions. It’s estimated that daily water losses for a 44 lb. dog range from 0.5 to 1.5 US gallons, depending upon activity and environmental setting.1 Some of this water loss will be replaced through metabolism, but the majority will need to be obtained through consumption. In a 2005 summary of working dogs, it was stated that while dogs can recover from the loss of most of their fat and half of their muscle, a loss of more than 10% of a dogs body water stores can result in death.2 This point should grab the attention of all dog handlers, but especially those with high drive dogs working in hostile environments, as a significant amount of daily water loss can be attributed to panting.1 Although we cannot make direct links, hydration status is a probable contributor to
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many injuries and/or deaths in working dogs that are classified as heat related.3,4 One group reports the number of deaths related to heat as almost 25% of all deaths on active duty.4 Thus, while it is important for all companion animals, hydration strategy for the working dog is critical! As handlers of working dogs, when should we think about hydration? Early and often is the simple answer. Recent work by researchers at the PennVet Working Dog Center suggested that dogs in hot climates are chronically dehydrated and do not recover their hydration status if exposed to consecutive days of work in hot climates. Deployment strategies are a routine practice for canine handlers and hydration management should be an integral component of the routine. There are practices that can help promote hydration status in working dogs. DO NOT depend on your dog to let you know that they need water. They, like us, can become caught up in their jobs and not take in adequate amounts of water, especially high drive dogs who are working hard.
Table 1: Signs of Dehydration in Dogs 1st Signs
2nd Signs
Final Stages
Less animated
Visibly slowing at work
Weakness in the hind end
Visibly tired or slower pace
Sunken, dry eyes
Wobbly and unsteady
Excessive panting
Dry mouth, gums and nose
Dark urine or lack of urine
Overly warm
Lack of skin elasticity
Unresponsive
Change in attitude
Seizures
(i.e.: seems apprehensive)
Shock
The following are helpful practices that can be implemented to your hydration strategy: • Water Baiting – This is a simple process where a highly palatable material is added to water to promote drinking. One of the most effective methods is place a small clump (2 tablespoons) of a high fat canned food in the bottom of a bowl or bucket, fill with water, and offer. Most dogs will gladly consume the water to reach the offered food.
• Food Floating – adding water to dry kibble immediately before serving is a very effective way to keep dogs hydrated. This type of water delivery serves two purposes - it provides extra water to your K9 and it also slows down the ingestion of food. Some evidence suggests that eating rapidly can be a risk factor for bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus). Therefore, slower eating may decrease one potential risk factor for bloat.
Table 2: Hydration Strategy When
Hydration Strategy Practice
Pre-work
•
Water bait (canned food, dry kibble dissolved in water, broth or bouillon cube)
During exercise
• •
Baited water in small quantities every 30-60 minutes Teach a “drink” command and offer water in small quantities often
Post-work
•
Float food (1 cup of water for every 1-2 cup of food). Serve immediately. Don’t soak
In summary, hydration is an often-forgotten component of good canine health. Dogs lose more water daily than most people realize. It is crucial to your dog’s performance that he replace, at minimum, the amount of water he loses daily. Dehydration has been linked to other more serious health conditions such as impaired cognition, heat stroke, and collapse. As a rule of thumb, for every calorie your dog eats, he should have 1-3 mls of water. So, when preparing your dog based needs for your next shift, consider adding extra water and bait for your water bowl to your list of “have to have” equipment. Remember, hydrate proactively— do not wait for your dog to tell you he is thirsty.
References 1.
Reynolds, AJ, K Snedden, GA Reinhart, KW Hinchcliff, and RA Swenson. 1998. Hydration strategies in exercising dogs. In: GA Reinhart and DP Carey eds. Recent advancements in canine and feline nutrition, Vol. 2, Iams Nutritional Symposium Proceedings. Orange Frazer Press, OH, pp 259-267
2.
http://wildernessmedicinemagazine.com/1112/Vet-Medicine-Canine-Hydration
3.
Gordon, LE. 2012. Injuries and illnesses among urban search-and-rescue dogs deployed to Haiti following the January 12, 2010, earthquake. J AM Vet Med Assoc. 240(4): 396-403 doi: 10.2460/javma.240.4.396.
4.
Stojsih, SE, JL Baker, CM Les, and CA Bir. 2014. Review of canine deaths while in service in US Civilian Law Enforcement (2002-2012). J Spec Oper Med. 14(4): 86-91.
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