Pentagon seeks new treatments for military dogs

May 26, 2026

Summary

Pentagon research projects sought treatments for injured military dogs, from TBI care to transfusions and chemical decontamination.

Why this matters

The projects show how the Pentagon is trying to address major causes of injury and death among military working dogs. The solicitations also said the technologies could have civilian veterinary uses.

The Pentagon is seeking new ways to improve care for injured military working dogs through four research projects in its latest Small Business Innovation Research solicitations.

The efforts include better assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury, protection against toxic chemicals, blood products for dogs with severe bleeding, and medical tools designed for use in both dogs and humans. The deadline for all four solicitations is June 3.

One Defense Health Agency solicitation focused on traumatic brain injury, or TBI, in dogs used for tasks such as explosive detection and base security. “TBI in the MWD [military working dog] carries an extremely high mortality rate with a prehospital mortality of over 40% for severe TBI cases,” the agency said. “It is estimated that 25% to 40% of all MWD trauma cases are accompanied by TBI, but there is limited data concerning the short- and long-term effects of TBI on the performance and health of the MWD.”

The agency said it wanted to build on prior TBI research in “rodents, canines, or other large animal models” to develop products that could be certified by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Another Defense Health Agency project sought shelf-stable whole blood products or substitutes for injured dogs. It asked for products with a shelf life of more than three years that could withstand field temperatures and support care for up to 72 hours after hemorrhage or hemorrhagic shock.

A third Defense Health Agency initiative sought ways to decontaminate dogs exposed to toxic industrial chemicals and materials.

DARPA’s “Broadening Availability of Regimens for K-9s,” or BARK, sought treatments that work in both dogs and humans. The agency listed possible uses including plasma filters, synthetic plasma, sensors to track vital signs, splints, tourniquets, drug-delivery tools, and protective gear against chemical weapons.

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