Planning Work/Rest Cycles for Military Working Dogs in Hot Environments Using a Canine Thermal Model
Abstract
The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Canine Thermal Model (CTM) was used to construct work/rest cycles for Military Working Dogs (MWDs) in hot environments. The CTM predicted Tc response to exercise and recovery of an average sized MWD (30 kg body mass, 100 cm length) in various environmental conditions (24C to 30C air temperature, 45% to 85% relative humidity, 0 to 40C mean radiant temperature, low wind speed). Exercise intensity was estimated as metabolic equivalent of task (MET level). During recovery, MWDs were assumed to be at rest (1 MET) in the shade. Work time to reach a Tc of 41C was 16 to 17 min at 7 METs and 20 to 23 min at 5.5 METs. Rest time to return to a Tc of 39.2C was 46 to 72 min. Work/rest cycles constructed using the CTM can improve guidance for mitigation of heat strain in MWDs. Predicting recovery is a critical aspect of risk management when evaluating environmental heat stress and implementing control measures. A mobile application of the CTM is currently being developed by the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1105539
Entities
People
- Catherine O'brien
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine