By
Ken M. Blomberg
The hunting season is rapidly approaching.
It's a magical time of year that seems to take forever to arrive, then
flies by in short order. With the
season beginning next month, are you ready?
Is your dog ready?
All too often, you're both out of shape, due to the lazy days of summer
that passed by, with no time to physically prepare for strenuous autumn hunts.
I'm not here to give you medical advice.
Heaven knows, I'm not in a position to do that.
But what I can share, are a few tips for your canine companions that are
out of shape, both physically and mentally.
Opening day weather can be summer-like, with hot temperatures and high
humidity. This can be a deadly
combination for any dog, but especially one that's not conditioned. Watch your dogs closely during those warm, early season
hunts.
The first signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, weakness, inability
to stand and dilated pupils with a blank stare.
Later, the tongue turns blue and the dog has trouble getting air.
Normal body temperature for dogs is 100 to 101 degrees.
Anything over 102 should be considered abnormal.
Heat stroke may raise a dog's temperature to 106, so he has to be cooled
down, as soon as possible. Preferably,
soaking a dog in cool, wet towels to allow the heat to evaporate slowly is best.
In the field, soaking your clothing in a stream, or pond may work.
Finally, get your dog to a vet for further treatment as soon as possible.
Avoid keeping your dog for extended periods in confined space without
proper ventilation when afield. That,
and the excitement of the hunt, can be a lethal combination. A few years back, a client of mine lost a young dog left
behind in its dog box. The SUV was
shut tight and the hyperactive pup died before his master returned to the
vehicle.
Assuming cooler weather on opening day, what other problems can be
prevented, after a long, hot summer of inactivity?
First of all, avoid hunting with a large group of other hunters and dogs.
Split up into small groups and hunt separate areas.
Nothing can ruin a pleasant afternoon in the uplands more than a
dogfight,
What about the dog that responded last year to our every command, but
suddenly decides to hunt by himself? I
recommend carrying a twenty foot check cord for quick refresher courses in
obedience. Let them drag the short
cord through the woods when you resume hunting.
You'd be surprised how much better they listen with it dragging behind
them. And the short length, with no knots, shouldn't tangle in the woods.
As the season progresses, you should notice a change in your dog's stamina and endurance. This is good, but make sure their diet changes to meet the nutritional needs of an active dog. A maintenance diet may be fine for the "dog days" of summer, but in the fall, change their ration to something like Purina's High Pro premium dog food, a formula designed for working dogs.
Whenever possible, carry water afield for you and your dog. Biker water bottles carry well in game bags and may be needed far from a water source. A small first aid kit and dog treats can easily fit in front vest pockets and may come in handy.
Enjoy your bird dog and have a great fall hunting season!
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How about a homemade tick
repellent recipe for your dog? Try
mixing 5 parts oil of terebirth (turpentine tree), 1 part essential oil of
lavender (an antibacterial agent) and 1 part St. John’s wort (immune
stimulant). Add to 3 parts olive
oil and rub on your dog before going afield.
Or, you could try a flea and tick collar. That seems like a lot less work!