Tips to Keep Your Companion Healthy in the Field
Your dog isn’t automatically prepared for the hunt the day you pull your blaze-orange cap from the closet. Dr. Nicole Weber of Pipestone Veterinary Clinic advises you to start working with your dog and taking steps to protect its health and ensure its performance well in advance.
Are you working out with your dog every day? Exercising now conditions your dog for the season ahead. Dr. Weber says, “Dogs walk an additional 1-5 miles for every mile a hunter travels. Without plenty of walks and runs in the weeks before, a dog can develop severe muscle and joint stiffness that will limit its effectiveness on day two.”
Does your dog have adequate vaccinations? On the hunt, your dog is more likely to encounter rabies-carrying raccoons, skunks, bats, cats, and other dogs. “Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date in advance and don’t hesitate to call for advice if your dog is bitten while hunting,” Dr. Weber cautions.
“Leptospirosis, a disease we’re seeing more often in our area, can spread from dogs to humans. Dogs contract the condition from contact with urine from an infected animal. The most extreme, untreated cases result in liver or kidney disease.” Call the Vet Clinic to arrange a specific vaccination for leptospirosis.
Have you taken steps to outsmart ticks? A dog’s Lyme disease symptoms—joint pain and signs of arthritis—typically don’t occur until months after infection. A tick preventative before your trip will limit your dog’s tick exposure.
Will you allow for rest if the weather is hot? Dogs may overheat while hunting but in their enthusiasm for the task at hand they’ll forget to stop. Plan to enforce periodic breaks for shade and water if the weather turns hot. A dog’s normal body temperature falls between 99° F and 102.5° F; add a rectal thermometer to your emergency kit (see below). Dr. Weber reminds you to call the Vet Clinic if your dog’s temperature spikes.
Have you considered a chest-protector? “We see dogs with lacerated chests and legs—injuries a chest protector may prevent.” Dr. Weber adds, “If your dog is cut, use items in your first-aid kit to clean and dress the wound and seek medical treatment right away to prevent complications.”
Do you have a dog first-aid kit? Dr. Weber suggests you include these items in the emergency kit you carry in your vehicle:
- Rectal thermometer
- Rolled gauze and gauze squares
- Bandaging fabric such as vet wrap
- Adhesive tape
- Tweezers
- Towel
- Hydrogen peroxide to field-clean wounds
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