Based on the Joint Trauma System (JTS) Clinical Practice Guideline for heat injury in military working dogs (MWDs), here is a comprehensive list of recommended medical materials for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of K9 heat injuries:

1. Cooling & Temperature Management

  • Rectal Thermometer (digital preferred)
  • Room-Temperature Water (for drinking and soaking the MWD)
  • Fans (to facilitate surface cooling)
  • Towels (for drying and passive warming)
  • Heat-Reflective Blanket (e.g., Ready-Heat, Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit)
  • Active warming device (e.g. forced air warming system)

2. Airway & Respiratory Support

  • Endotracheal Tubes (sizes 9–11 mm internal diameter)
  • Laryngoscope with Miller Blade Size 4
  • Oxygen Delivery Equipment:
    • Oxygen Canisters or Oxygen Concentrator
    • Regulator
  • Bag Valve Mask (if manual ventilation is required – will not utilize mask portion of device)
  • Oxygen Tubing

3. Fluid Resuscitation

  • Crystalloid Intravenous (IV) Fluids:
    • Lactated Ringer’s, Plasma-Lyte A, Normosol-R or Normal Saline
  • IV Administration Set
  • IV Catheters (18G x 1.25”)
  • Saline Lock with Extension Set
  • Syringes (e.g., 10 mL)
  • Clippers (removing hair from IV site)
  • Medical Tape
  • Chlorhexidine (preparation of IV site)

4. Monitoring & Diagnostics

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitor
  • Blood Pressure Monitor
  • Pulse Oximeter
  • Capnograph

5. Medications & Supportive Care

  • Anticonvulsants
    • Midazolam or Diazepam
  • Manage cerebral edema
    • Mannitol or Hypertonic Saline
  • Other Medications
    • Lidocaine (cardiac arrhythmias)
    • Dextrose Injection (supplement IV fluids to 2.5 – 5% final dextrose)
    • Antiemetics & gastrointestinal protectants
      • Pantoprazole
      • Ondansetron
      • Maropitant citrate
      • Sucralfate
  • Potassium chloride (IV fluid supplementation if hypokalemia)

This list is derived from the JTS Clinical Practice Guideline for heat injury in MWDs and incorporates additional insights from K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines and specialized K9 first aid kits.

For additional information including National Stock Number (NSN), refer to Logistics Plans & Readiness (sharepoint-mil.us)

DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive list. These are items identified to be important for the care of combat casualties.