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Posted on 08/21/2025 1:37:27 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A Dallas Police K-9 officer is recovering after suffering heat exhaustion while working outside in extreme temperatures. K-9 Max, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, received a hero's welcome from officers, handlers and staff when he was released from MedVet Dallas at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
CBS News Texas' Dawn White was the only reporter present at the emergency veterinary hospital when Max walked out the doors following a major scare.
Dog collapsed during East Dallas manhunt Investigators said Max suffered a heat-related illness during a manhunt just before 2 p.m. Tuesday along Highland Road in East Dallas. Dallas Police rushed the beloved K-9 to the emergency vet for treatment.
Department outlines heat safety protocols Dallas Police issued a statement detailing its policies for K-9s working in extreme weather. "The handlers are trained to recognize when their dogs are showing signs of exhaustion and to be mindful when it's extremely hot or cold outside," the statement read.
Each canine vehicle is equipped with a heat alarm system, and handlers are required to conduct weekly function checks during the summer months. Dogs are not left unattended for more than 10 minutes, and water bowls and regular breaks are provided throughout the day.
Dallas Police spokesperson Cordin Rubinson said there is no specific temperature threshold for K-9 deployment, but handlers receive training on heat-related stress. "As part of our Basic Handler School, the handlers are taught about canine health and safety concerns, including heat related stress," Rubinson said. "Additionally, handlers are sent to our veterinarian to learn more about the health, well-being, and safety of their canine partners."
Veterinarian shares warning signs and tips
Dr. Danielle Williams, a critical care specialist at MedVet Dallas, said dog owners should watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy panting, trembling, vomiting or diarrhea. "The dog's shock organ is the GI tract," she said. "If they're vomiting or having diarrhea, that's all concerning for heat exhaustion."
Williams advised owners to move dogs into shade or air conditioning and offer room temperature water. "We do not recommend doing cold ice water or cold ice water baths," she said. "It's important to get them out of the heat, stop the exercise and get them cooled down immediately."
Max expected to make full recovery K-9 Max is now recovering at his handler's home and is expected to make a full recovery. The Dallas Police Department's canine unit was established in 1961.
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This should not happen. We used dogs in Afghanistan and Iraq where it was much warmer. They had cooling vests, pre IV fluids, etc., to combat heat illnesses in dogs. There are measures that can be taken, but a caring eye is the most important tool.
Wow. I wonder how many feral dogs die of heat exhaustion. But then again, they are not overworked.
At least it wasn’t because he was left in the police cruiser....
That sounds more like "heat stroke" than exhaustion. Humans are subject to heat stroke also with the same symptoms, including death.
As an ex-Navy flight deck operator around the Equator, we often had the Medical types check out our status and make us drink liquids with electrolytes.
Another police incident recently said officers “and K-9” were injured by gunfire.
and this one in January:
Shot in the neck and nose. Survived.
https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-k-9-rocky-released-hospital
Maybe we need Chihuahuas?
It’s right about this time of the year when we are sick of the heat. When will it end. It sucks. And people have just about had it.
Training dogs to attack humans is insane NAZI crap. Oh yeah, project paperclip. Nevermind.
Where in this story is a statement about attacking humans. The hound got dehydrated as he was searching for a bad guy. As the owner of three Mals, I know he was taught to disable when necessary and not maul. Mine will disarm any limb with a weapon, then seek to disable. They release when commanded, and on exception, release and rebite only to improve their leverage. K9s are a force multiplier and can do the work of two dozen men in a shorter amount of time. I have provided K9s to local police departments and highway patrol when they are aging one out. No department is ever trained to but, but just scent, pursue, and apprehend. I hope we never bump into you, a dog hater.
Gwjack
P.S. maybe you should read one of my books about training, especially using the experiments of Pavlov and BF Skinner. Sheesh.
Just my experience. I worked at a large municipal animal control agency. I’ve only met highly aggressive trained German shepherds. We would kennel them for officers on vacation or whenever needed. I assume the drug sniffers/cadaver dogs are better.
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