Summer Sun & Hot Dogs

A heat wave is blasting across the heartland. Record temperatures and oppressive humidity are right outside the front door. Even though it's only July, we have already entered the "dog days" of summer here in the midwest. Here are few tips to help maintain your canine athlete in top shape during the summer months or early season hunts.

Precautions to ward off heat stress...

• Always carry plenty of water and rehydrate as much as possible. It is also helpful to train your gun dog to drink out of a squirt bottle. These can be conveniently carried in the field and allow for your dog to immediately get short drinks of water more often. Never assume your dog will find water in the field to drink. Also keep in mind standing water in fields or marshes can also be contaminated by fertilizer or livestock run off. These can be just as deadly as heat related issues!


• Off season workouts and early season hunts should be in the morning or late in the afternoon.


• Shorten activity time and increase break time.


• Assume the ground temperature(where your dog is running) is at times 10 degrees hotter than at your head level. Remember, ground temps will also increase dramatically as cover conditions become thicker.


• Keep a close watch on your dog and look for physical signs of heat stress; i.e. excessive panting, staggering, disorientation, glazed eyes, and falling down are all signs of heat stress that could quick lead to heat stroke.


• Before the hunt or workout hydrate your dog by moistening his dry food with water or more water than normal. Also, wet can food is a good source of moisture and can be a nice topper on dry kibble.


• Before and after the hunt or workout use an electrolyte supplement such as "Rehydrate". According to their website...
  

"REHYDRATE was developed in conjunction with a doctor of veterinary medicine who specializes in animal nutrition at a leading university in the United States. REHYDRATE is designed to give canines a more effective hydration system than drinking plain water. The effervescent tablet that dissolves in water is formulated to replenish any lost electrolytes (i.e. sodium, chloride, potassium, etc.) due to aerobic activity. Also included are Vitamin C and other antioxidant minerals geared to promote general wellness. Each tablet is also flavored to enhance the palatability to promote optimum hydration and water intake." Click on image to visit their website.

If your dog shows signs of advanced heat stress...

• Call your vet(don't assume anything)


• Get them into shade or even better, an air conditioned room immediately.


• Shower them in water and calm them down and try to get them to drink as much as possible(but do not force them to drink). After they have drank, gently splashing water in their mouth is fine and will help them cool down quicker.
  
• Carry a cooler full of bagged ice can increase the cool down process. Allow your dog to lay down on the bags of ice. This can be done by placing the bags on the floor of his kennel(just make sure there is still adequate ventilation)
  

The ill effects of advanced heat stress stroke is the leading killer and crippler of sporting dogs. If your dog has suffered through these symptoms I recommend consulting your vet and scheduling a blood test. Heat stroke can cause damage to brain cells as well as effecting kidney functions. Only a proper blood test can determine the lasting effects.

As I write this, I look over at Dewey. He is sound asleep on the couch. The air conditioning is pumping a perfect 68 degrees and the ceiling fan is creating a nice downward breeze. Outside our front door it's 95 in the shade with a heat index of 105. Our workout will have to wait until later...much later!

Best of luck out there. -Mark