A canine thermal model for simulating temperature responses of military working dogs

Abstract Military working dogs (MWDs) are often required to operate in dangerous or extreme environments, to include hot and humid climate conditions. These scenarios can put MWD at significant risk of heat injury. To address this concern, a two-compartment (core, skin) rational thermophysiological model was developed to predict the temperature of a MWD during rest, exercise, and recovery. The Canine Thermal Model (CTM) uses inputs of MWD mass and length to determine a basal metabolic rate and body surface area. These calculations are used along with time series inputs of environmental conditions (air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind velocity) and level of metabolic intensity (MET) to predict MWD thermoregulatory responses. Default initial values of core and skin temperatures are set at neutral values representative of an average MWD; however, these can be adjusted to match known or expected individual temperatures. The rational principles of the CTM describe the heat exchange from the metabolic energy of the core compartment to the skin compartment by passive conduction as well as the application of an active control for skin blood flow and to tongue and lingual tissues. The CTM also mathematically describes heat loss directly to the environment via respiration, including panting. Thermal insulation properties of MWD fur are also used to influence heat loss from skin and gain from the environment. This paper describes the CTM in detail, outlining the equations used to calculate avenues of heat transfer (convective, conductive, radiative and evaporative), overall heat storage, and predicted responses of the MWD. Additionally, this paper outlines examples of how the CTM can be used to predict recovery from exertional heat strain, plan work/rest cycles, and estimate work duration to avoid overheating.