K-9 officers in Harper Woods receive Narcan training

HARPER WOODS, Mich. (WJBK) - Narcan has been a life-saving drug for people by reversing the effects of a heroin overdose, but it can also save the lives of some very important crime-fighting canines on the front lines.

Monday night, members of the Harper Woods Police Department learned how to administer the drug Narcan to its canine officers.

The highly-trained dogs often help with drug raids. If the dog accidentally ingests a dangerous narcotic, it's handler will now carry a nasal spray to counter the potentially deadly effects.

"It is a life-saving agent," says Dr. David Balaj. "Because, depending on how much they sniff and get into, they could be in a life-threatening situation in just a matter of minutes. If we can administer this right away, we save the life of a very valuable animal that is working to save the lives of people in the community."

Canine members of the force are often credited with saving the lives of civilians and police officers. Having this medicine will help protect them.

Monday night's training session also included instruction from a veterinarian on what to do if the four-legged officer suffers a health emergency on the job.