Canine Decontamination Kit and Procedures

Adela Morris & Pat Grant DVM

Individual Decontamination Kit

Personal Equipment

General Supplies

Diluting and Removing Supplies

Dog Supplies

Team Decon Kit Supplies or Optional Supplies

Canine Decontamination Procedures

Each Hazmat and decon incident will be different, the procedures listed are a guide and not an absolute. Most of the time when we are decontaminating our dogs it will be an emergency and we have to do the best we can under the circumstances.

If no water is available you can use the disposable towels to absorb as much of the contaminates as possible and then get the dog to an area where you can use water. A Bleach solution of 1part bleach to 20 parts of water can be used for cleaning the dog if nothing else is available, make sure to rinse with lots of water after.

In a disaster situation when there is a potential for a hazmat, even if none is present it is always a good idea to decon the dog. If there are any doubts that an unknown hazmat has occurred (lead paint fallen off the walls, asbestos. chemicals spilled on the floor) decon the dog.

1. Identify contaminant if possible. Do not endanger yourself unnecessarily by smelling it, or exposing your self. Use precautions like wearing double layers or thick gloves and a Tyvek suite. Keep the dog isolated and quiet so the contaminant is not spread over a larger area. Monitor the dogs ABC’s and do not let the dog lick or groom itself. Covering the dog with towels can help stop this.

2. Determine and Take protective measures that the person handling the decon needs to adopt. When performing decon or handling the contaminated dog, gloves should be worn and, if required, a Tyvek suit. If the Decon calls for a totally encapsulating vapor tight chemical protective suit with a positive pressure full face self-contained breathing apparatus your dog’s health is in serious jeopardy. If this is the case, contact a veterinarian, inform them of the contaminate and treatment being done, do a full decon and then transport as soon as possible.

3. Apply eye ointment if not contraindicated by contaminant. Eye ointment helps keep
the eye moist and helps keep the contaminates out. Also soothes irritated membranes.

4. Determine best method and remove contaminate.

Physical removal: Wipe it off using disposable towels. Use safe for skin solvent if needed like Wet Ones moist towelettes (alcohol and propylene glycol), or use scissors if needed.

Dry Removal: Some materials become more reactive when in contact with water. If this is the case you can use the cornstarch or baking soda and comb out the material. When combing out the contaminates place the dog on a sheet of plastic or plastic bag so the contaminates can be disposed of in the plastic. After the physical removal of the contaminate dilute with lots of water and wash with Dawn or dog shampoo. Move the contaminates or dog before washing with water.

Petroleum Products: Mineral oil may help break up petroleum products. Use disposable towels to soak up contaminants. Remove as much as possible before washing. Dawn dishwashing detergent works the best for petroleum products.

Biological Disinfectant: Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan) and Betadine are effective against bacterial and fungal contamination. Both products come in 2 different forms: scrub or solution. The scrub is a soap base and must be rinsed off. The solutions may be left on the skin and coat to dry. The solution form is preferred with both the Nolvasan and Betadine. Betadine solution should be diluted 1:4. Chlorhexidine solution should be diluted to 2%, 1part Chlorhexidine to 50 parts of water.

Wet Removal: You should start at the top of the head and work down. Dilute the contaminants with water then wash with detergent or appropriate substance, rinse with lots of water. You can use the bulb syringe if you need to get in the ear. Gauze sponges work well around the eyes, or for cleaning ears or mouth.

5. Properly dispose of contaminants.

6. Dry Dog. Keep in mind that you need to get the dog dry if its cool weather. You’re
dog will be unable to work if it gets chilled. Do not get the dog wet if you have no way of drying the dog or keeping it warm unless the dog is in more danger from the contaminate. Use a Hi flow air dryer or high temp dryer like people use on their hair to dry the dog.

7. Make sure collars and leashes or other items used with the dog are deconned or disposed of.

8. Provide appropriate follow up care. If you suspect that the dog has ingested a
contaminant that can have metabolic effects give the dog activated charcoal (Toxiban) follow directions on package. Seek veterinary care or contact a veterinarian. Be sure to provide them with the name of the contaminant and what treatment has been done.
Or call Poison Control Center 1 800 548-2423 or 1 900 680-0000


After returning from an incident where your dog has come into contact with a hazmat you should consult you own veterinarian to see if they recommend a follow up exam or blood tests to check the liver for toxins. We recommend that you have with you whenever you are deployed a copy of your dog’s veterinary records. This includes all lab work results and written reports not receipts of your bill. Each handler should also carry a canine or combo human /canine first aid kit in their field pack. (See Canine First Aid Page)


National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423
or 1-900-680-0000 - 24 hour emergency information