How should I prepare for hunting with my dog?

Hunting with dogs is very common this time of year. Whether the prey is upland game, waterfowl, raccoons, bear, or blood trailing deer, the most common problem veterinarians see is trauma. Gastrointestinal upset and ocular foreign bodies are common. Many other problems occur.

Many problems can be avoided or at least diminished with proper planning before hunting season starts. The first steps are to have your dog properly trained and conditioned. Before asking a dog to run through the brush all day after pheasants or other fowl, they need to be properly conditioned. Overweight dogs are more likely to have orthopedic injuries and will not be able to perform well for extended times in the field. Therefore, a gradual work up to the level of exertion for hunting season is required.

Trauma comes in many forms. Most commonly, I see lacerations, scratches, blistered pads, punctures, porcupine quills and secondary skin infections. Some of these injuries are easily avoidable by placing a hunting vest on the dog. Having the dog properly conditioned so the skin has developed more callus or wearing hunting boots can avoid some problems like the blistered pads. Injuries are going to happen, so be prepared.

Most dogs continue to hunt aggressively after an injury and the owner only discovers the injury later. Therefore, closely monitor your dog for injuries.

Many dogs will develop vomiting and diarrhea during hunting trips. The excitement and stress involved with hunting can certainly be a factor. Hunting dogs are exposed to many sources of dirty water and other contaminated environments, which contain many parasites such as giardia. They are often exposed to viruses from other dogs and wild animals. Dogs also have a tendency to eat potential food items they find.

In the fall months, there are many plants with seeds at dog eye level. I regularly find seeds behind the eyelids of hunting dogs. If not promptly removed, they cause pain and often trauma to the cornea.

Require your dog to take regular breaks to rest, cool off and have a drink. The dog is working hard and can overheat quite easily, even during cool weather. Most dogs will not stop hunting until they are severely overheated or dehydrated.

All hunters should carry a general dog first aid kit. This should have the basics for treating minor wounds and flushing the eyes out. It should also contain contact information for a veterinarian in the area you are hunting. Fresh water should be carried for the dogs. Waterfowl hunters should carry something to dry their dogs so they can warm faster after a cold swim.

Please see our website here for a list of items to carry in a dog first aid kit. More information can be found at www.gundogsupply.com, www.tbicatalog.com, and www.dogsunlimited.com.

Most hunting dogs love and/or live to hunt. Hunting can be a wonderful experience for dog and owner. However, problems do happen. Prepare to prevent problems and to deal with the problems that occur. You and your dog will have a much better experience if you do.

Happy hunting!

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