Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
07:54
Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
3.3K
A Randomized Cross-Over Field Study of Pre-Hydration Strategies in Dogs Tracking in Hot Environments.
Greta M Niedermeyer1,2, Elizabeth Hare2,3, Leslie K Brunker2
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|June 26, 2020
Summary
Electrolyte-enriched fluids, particularly flavored options, may enhance hydration and performance in working dogs during strenuous activity in hot conditions. Chicken-flavored water, however, showed increased muscle injury markers.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Animal science
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Working dogs face significant hydration challenges during rigorous tasks in hot climates.
- Optimal pre-exercise hydration strategies are crucial for maintaining performance and preventing heat-related illnesses in canine athletes.
- Limited research exists on the efficacy of various hydration solutions for working dogs under extreme environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate four distinct pre-exercise hydration strategies for working dogs performing demanding tracking operations.
- To assess the impact of oral water, flavored water, oral electrolyte solution, and subcutaneous electrolyte solution on physiological parameters.
- To determine the influence of hydration on fluid intake, body temperature, and biochemical markers in working dogs.
Main Methods:
- A randomized cross-over field study involving seven Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) Unit dogs.
- Dogs were assigned to one of four hydration treatments daily for four days prior to completing two one-mile tracking exercises.
- Measurements included body weight, core body temperature, serum chemistry, hematology, and urine analysis.
Main Results:
- Electrolyte-enriched hydration strategies increased total fluid intake compared to plain water.
- Dogs receiving chicken-flavored water exhibited higher blood creatine kinase levels, indicating potential muscle strain.
- All dogs reached elevated core body temperatures (median 41°C) without exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Conclusions:
- While electrolyte-enhanced fluids improved hydration, chicken-flavored water may be associated with increased muscle injury markers.
- Pre-exercise electrolyte-enriched fluids show promise in helping working dogs maintain lower peak body temperatures.
- Further research is warranted to optimize hydration protocols for working dogs in demanding environmental conditions.
