What role do dogs play in the California mudslides?

 

 

Spare a thought for our brothers and sisters in Montecito, California as they are gripped by a natural disaster. Wildfires (the largest in California’s history) in recent months were a contributing factor to mudslides as fires changed the surface of ground, which later experienced a deluge of rain.

Rescuers are using dogs and thermal imaging scanners to search for people amongst the mud and debris. With 17 confirmed fatalities the clock is ticking and the rescue dogs play an essential part.

Most are air-scenting or tracking dogs detecting the perspiration and respiratory gases which humans emit. Their innate sense of hearing adds to their effectiveness. In such work these dogs will alert to any human or cadaver scent. The types of training for such a dog will involve being able to work in confined spaces, unstable surfaces and other collapsed construction type settings.

If a person is covered with mud there will still be a small amount of gasses rising that a dog can alert to. Any breed is capable of being trained to sniff out human scents though working breeds are most popular. In Australia there are many volunteer search & rescue dogs and their handlers. Training is continuous and we are so grateful that others are prepared to dedicate their time.

Our hearts go out to all the folks of California. Those effected physically, emotionally and with damaged or lost properties.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)