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c. Know the signs of heat stroke: red and sticky gums, weakness,
staggering, excessive panting, diarrhea, vomiting. The early
signs of heat stroke can be followed within minutes by collapse,
seizures, coma and death.
d. If your dog does show signs of heat stroke don't pack him
in ice, this could put him into shock. If you can get him to
a bath tub or stock tank cover him with water. If these are not
available use a hose or pour water over him and then get him
to a vet as soon as possible. Immediate treatment is critical
to success so delays are potentially harmful or fatal.
e. Don't cover a dog with heat stroke even with a wet towel.
This will only hamper his body's ability to dispel the heat.
Neither should you put him in a crate, keep him with you.
f. If your dog does get heat stroke, take him to your own veterinarian
when you get home to check for liver and kidney damage. Even
immediate treatment and effective cooling can leave the dog with
internal damage and long term health concerns.
In my experience of hunting, training and breeding hunting dogs
over the years, what I've seen is that the average hunter may
spend an average of about 14 days in the field upland hunting
with his dog, in many cases much less. There are 50 other weeks
of the year when the hunting trips will be past and your friend
will still be there laying next to your chair as you reminisce
what the two of you experienced together. Be as dedicated to
your canine friend as he is to you. The 2003 opener here in South
Dakota with the high temps and so many dogs being affected by
it has made us all reflect on how to never let it happen again
and why it did this time. We can't change the weather but we
can take as many precautions as possible to assure that whatever
the weather may be while we are hunting our bird dogs their health
and safety comes first and foremost. The next time we go afield
with that friend that has given us so many days of joy and successful
hunting, remember we are their keeper, protector and the ones
responsible for their safety. Rather than thinking that it'll
never happen to you assume that it could or will and be prepared.
Bill Dillon hails from Armour, SD
He and Kathy run Big Spur Lodge >>>
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