situation that happens is the hunter expects
more out of his dog than he does of himself. He or she's not
in prime athletic shape but they don't understand why their bird
dog can't run all day long (especially in the heat). While you're
resting, look at his gums, look at the color - if they're starting
to turn a dull greyish-pink or red he's in the early stages of
heat stroke.
5. There are supplements available to assist your dog during
those early, hot hunting days in the field. Gator Aid has been
used for many years to replace electrolytes, minerals and carbs
for athletes. Your dog is an athlete, his field of sports is
CRP, cattail sloughs, heavy cover and woods. I've used several
products that are on the market to assist the replenishment of
electrolytes and minerals and I've added honey to water for the
carbs necessary to replenish the expended energy supplies. There
are also products made especially for working dogs. One I've
had great results with is K-9 Bluelite. I've seen a noticeable
difference with its use. It mixes with water and as they drink
they're also getting the supplements they need. |
6. Know the makeup and needs of your dog. When you take
responsibility of owning and hunting a gun dog you as the owner
take on the responsibility to care for and maintain them. To
properly understand how educate yourself and be conscious of
their needs as well as their strengths and weaknesses. That dog
will hunt himself to death if you allow it. Opening weekend in
this
state proved that. You must place their well being first and
the bird limit second. Every one wants to shoot birds over their
dogs but don't let the hunt's importance overrule common sense.
7. Never leave a dog in a closed vehicle, staked out in the sun
or
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closed in a hot crate. It's especially
important not to do so if the dog has already gotten overheated
or exhausted. They need to cool their body temperatures. A dog's
temperature is normally between 101°F and 102°F. If he
cannot expel the heat fast enough his body temperature will rise.
At 105°F your dog can no longer cope with reducing his body
heat. As the oxygen demand rises and he is no longer keeping
up with his temperature will continue to rise. When the temperature
hits 108°F the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and intestinal
tracts start to break down.
8. What can we look for in our dogs to keep this from happening
to us? And if it does, how do we address the situation.
a. Watering on a regular basis is a must, keep plenty in the
truck and carry some on your person.
b. When you're hunting an area locate the phone number and location
of the local veterinarian and have it handy. |
