Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 4036 AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: AUGUST 2016 Orlando Police Department Corporal Robert Schellhorn pets Katie, one of twelve K-9 comfort dogs on hand that are helping with the healing process after the massacre during a vigil at Trinity Lutheran Church in Orlando, Florida. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) by Richard McQueary D uring the dog days of summer, we K-9 handlers must be aware of how to take care of and re- spond to our partner’s needs when it comes to the heat. Dogs only produce sweat on areas not covered with fur, such as the nose and paw pads, unlike we humans who sweat almost everywhere. Officers must be aware that a dog’s body tempera- ture is 101 to 102.5 degrees compared to humans 98.6. We should also be aware that when standing on concrete and asphalt, we have shoes for protection but our four legged partners just have their pads which offer no protection from the heat or the cold. In the summer that heat can be intense. A dog’s primary source of heat exchange (i.e., getting rid of heat) is by panting. Handlers must be constantly aware of this and use all measures to keep their part- ners cool. There are several ways to do this. Window tinting on all vehicle windows works well as does heat rejecting clear window film. You can install sun screen shades for the front windshield, make sure you park in the shade, or use a blanket to throw over back windshield to reflect the sun. If your K-9 is suffering from the heat, handlers must be prepared to administer emergency first aid to their partners. You can reduce your dog’s body temperature by put- ting cool wet towels over the neck area and under the armpits and between their hind legs in the groin area. Use cool water to wet ear flaps and paw pads. If you are close to a stream or pond, cool the dog by slowly bathing him in the water. Always keep packets of Pedialyte crystals on hand for mixing with water. Allow your dog to drink the water but never force it on him. He may drink the water too fast and suck it into his lungs. Never give ice cubes or chips to dogs in an attempt to cool them down. Richard McQueary is the president of the International Police Work Dog Association. . Free expert advice SAN DIEGO SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Now Hiring Laterals $75,000.00 – $100,245.00* Lateral Bonus of up to $5,000.00 13 Unique Stations to Choose From Learn More About What We Offer At: WWW.JOINSDSHERIFF.NET *Reflects current contract progressing through 2017