Temperatures are continuing to plummet across the upper Midwest. Old Man Winter is once again rearing his ugly head as snow storms continue to batter us from what seems like every direction. Here in southern Wisconsin there are still 15 days before the bird hunting season closes for yet another fateful year. As hunters, we expose our dogs to the bitterest of natural elements as fall turns to winter. During this time of year overeager owners can expectantly place gun dogs in harms way. Canine hypothermia must remain a constant concern to ensure your faithful four legged hunting partner runs astray from it's deathly grip.
Hypothermia is the lowering of the dog's core temperature and occurs when a dog's temperature falls abnormally low. The extent of the injuries varies with the body temperature and duration of hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal. Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrhythmia's or cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory problems, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and possibly even death.
The first acute symptom of hypothermia is shivering(OK, that's pretty obvious that he or she is cold!)When a dog shivers, there is an increase in muscle activity, which increases heat production. At the same time, his blood circulation shifts away from his legs and feet to his internal organs. Other symptoms include slow and shallow breathing, weakness, and listlessness. If your dog is excessively "shaking his coat off" this is also an early sign of hypothermia. If your dog's normal rhythm of hunting starts to involves these abnormal stoppages "to shake it off" this is the earliest telltale sign that the cold is starting to get to them! It is time to start moving back to the truck quickly.
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It is also important to realize during the cold months a dogs metabolism increases. As I posted last year in "Cold Dog, New Tricks" The general rule of thumb is
for every 10 degree drop in average outside temperature increase your dog's food rations up 6%. Keeping your dog well feed with a high protein/high fat diet during the winter hunting season can provide additional support for warding off adverse effects of the cold. Bitter cold also brings dryness to the atmosphere where a dogs breathe gets zapped and moisture is evaporated by zero humidity conditions quickly. With every breathe brings a loss of water to your dog. Much more than even that hot humid day chasing quail for you southern hunters. Getting a hard charging gun dog to drink in the stone cold winter is usually tough to do. Even though he is not begging for it, it certainly doesn't mean he doesn't need it! To get a dog that won't drink to come to water, grab him gently by the muzzle and spray just a few squirt of water down his throat. I don't mean cold water either but nice warm water from a bottle that has been kept tucked in your vest nearest your own heat source. This is when the training in the off season to accept a water bottle comes in handy! Keep in mind, a working dog will need at minimum 1-2 ounces of water every 20 minutes to stay properly hydrated. Keeping your dog hydrated is not the only thing that should concern you. It is also very helpful to carry some treats in your vest pocket as well. A dog eating a small ration of treats(make then small, soft, and easily eaten) during a cold hunt will help their body produce internal heat from digestion. Keeping them watered and munching on a treat every 20 minutes or so will help ward of the dreaded early signs of hypothermia. If you let your dog succumb to hypothermia you have nobody to blame but yourself. There is NO bird in this world worth injuring your dog over! If you do notice these early signs get your dog into a heated vehicle as quickly as possible and back to a warm house as soon as possible. If the dog is showing signs of advanced hypothermia(lethargy, stumbling, excessive/uncontrollable shaking) go to the nearest emergency vet!
I hope these tips help this winter season. Canine hypothermia is not to be taken lightly. Imagine if you are getting chilly following your dog in pursuit of frosty pheasants or grouse...you can assume your four legged hunting buddy is feeling the effects of the cold as well.
Best of luck out there. -Mark
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