Army medics are being trained to provide emergency care for injured military working dogs, adapting their skills to include canine combat casualty care. This instruction marks a shift from the traditional focus on human soldiers, with medics being taught essential skills such as muzzling dogs, stopping bleeding, administering medication, and recognizing signs of distress in canines.
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Capt. Karen Hood, a veterinary corps officer with the Fort Bragg-based 44th Medical Brigade, led the training, stating that medics often find themselves on the battlefield in immediate need of such skills. "Having a medic who is at the point of injury can make a really big impact, even if it's just stopping a dog from bleeding out. That could be enough to save its life," Hood said.
With modern warfare increasingly involving drones and other complexities making swift evacuation challenging, the Army is enhancing its canine trauma care practices. The Department of Defense has begun digitizing the medical records of military dogs to gather data that can improve the understanding of canine medical needs in combat scenarios, according to Lt. Col. Emily Corbin of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.
Early studies show that wounded dogs face similar medical challenges as injured soldiers, emphasizing the need for early resuscitation and pre-hospital care. The same strategies being developed to improve trauma care for humans are being applied to dogs, including researching blood products that can be stored without refrigeration for field use.
Currently, approximately 1,600 military working dogs assist in various operations, including bomb detection and tracking. Corbin highlighted the significance of these dogs as valuable assets, noting their treatment has evolved since military canines were once seen as equipment, often discarded after service. "They are treated similarly to our service members," she stated, acknowledging the incredible capabilities of these animals.
Expectations for canine care are high, as military dogs can represent significant investments, often exceeding $75,000, in addition to the emotional bonds they form with their handlers. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the dogs' roles as integral members of military operations.
This training initiative is part of broader efforts to improve canine casualty care, ensuring that both dogs and their human counterparts receive the best possible care in the field.