Preparing Your Dog for Hunting Season: Beat the Heat and Train Safely

As hunting season approaches, many of us start to imagine those crisp, cold mornings spent in the blind. But then reality hits—you realize that the season is almost here! For some, the early season has already begun, while for others, the main hunting season is just a few weeks away.

So, what about your dog? It’s crunch time! You need to get your retriever ready for opening day. But in the rush to prepare, there's one critical detail many overlook: the heat.

The Dangers of Heat Stroke

This time of year, heat stroke is a constant threat to your dog’s safety. Overheating can happen in an instant, and if it escalates to heat stroke, it can be life-threatening.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your dog safe during training in hot weather.

Signs of an Overheating Retriever

1. Excessive Panting: If your dog is panting much more than usual, with its tongue hanging completely out, this is a sign that your dog is overheating. Get your dog into the shade immediately to cool off.

2. Swollen Eyes: If your dog’s eyes begin to swell, it could indicate that your dog is overheating or not properly hydrated. This is a warning sign that your dog may be in danger.

3. Lethargy or Dizziness: If your dog starts to act lethargic, stumbles, or appears dizzy, this is a serious sign of overheating. Contact your vet immediately and follow their advice.

What to Do if Your Dog Overheats

If your dog shows signs of severe overheating, your first instinct might be to cool them off as quickly as possible. However, rapidly cooling your dog can be harmful. For instance, throwing your overheated dog into a cooler full of ice can cause shock, similar to what happens when hot glass meets cold water—it can crack.

Instead, use alcohol wipes to gently cool your dog down by wiping the pads of their paws. This is a safe and effective way to help your dog cool off gradually. However, if your dog is dizzy or lethargic, you should still contact your vet immediately.

Preventing Overheating

Train During the Coolest Part of the Day: Plan your training sessions for early morning, just as the sun is rising. Not only is this the coolest part of the day, but it’s also a great way to get your dog used to the early mornings of hunting season.

Hydrate Throughout the Day: Hydration is crucial for keeping your dog in top shape. But be cautious—many people think bringing water to the field and letting their dog drink freely is enough. However, giving your dog too much water during training can lead to serious stomach issues. Instead, hydrate your dog throughout the day when you’re not training. During training, offer water sparingly—just 3 or 4 ounces over an entire session should be enough.

Let Your Dog Rest Between Skills: When working on multiple skills during a training session, make sure to give your dog ample rest between each one, especially if the skills require a lot of effort. This will help prevent overheating and ensure your dog performs at its best.

Final Thoughts

By following these guidelines, you can help keep your dog cool and safe during training in the heat. Remember, these are just general tips. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

#BuildFromHere,

Joshua Parvin

P.S. Looking for more guidance on training your retriever? The online videos at Cornerstone Gundog Academy can help you train the dog you’ve always dreamed of. Check out the two paths you can choose from here.