The Tailgate Check

Now that we are headlong into bird hunting season it is time to revisit one of the most critical aspects following any hunt with your four legged partner. The Tailgate Check.

Returning to your truck after a long day afield, time has come to load up your dog or dogs and head for home. A warm fire and hot meal await you both but don't be in a hurry as this is the perfect time and place to give your dog(s) the "once over". Positioning him or her on your trucks tailgate or back hatch gives you a higher vantage point to inspect your dog closely at eye level.

Start at the head and work your way back....

• Check entire dog's skin and coat with your bare hands to detect any foreign objects such as burrs, thorns, or other such debris stuck in/or on your dog.
• Remove any foreign objects completely using sterile tweezers. Medicate area liberally with antiseptic solution to clean the area using a sterile cotton pad.

Check your dog's eyes:

• Pull the skin around the eye socket back and around to see if any debris has found it's way around these sensitive areas. Keep in mind, dog's have a secondary eyelid. This is a common area for debris to find a place to hide. Look closely and inspect with great care. A small flash light can come in handy. Use a sterile canine eye wash to flush out any dust or marsh gunk.

• Treat any eye debris with concern. Sterile plastic tweezers are the best for removing such objects. If you can not reach it, do NOT push it. See your emergency vet immediately. Debris in the eye can work it's way down into cranial cavity quickly. Don't help it by struggling.

Check paws and pads. Look for cracked nail, cut pads, and thorns lodged in webbing:

• If cracked nails are found apply, styptic powder immediately. If severe, see vet asap. For cracked pads, apply k9 foot cream or suave immediately. Bandage with 3M nonstick tape if needed.

Check the ears flaps for cuts and ear canal for debris:

• If cuts are present around the ear flap apply styptic powder immediately. If debris is found in ear canal try to remove if possible. If not see your emergency vet for further help.

Tips for further post hunt home care:

If you hunt marshes or drainage canals around farm field run off(you know...the places those ditch chickens a.k.a.... pheasants like to hangout around), make sure to bath your dog with warm water and a good antibacterial shampoo after returning home. We use and HIGHLY recommend Perfect Coat Anitbacterial Deodorizing Shampoo. Fertilizer and livestock waste that runs off into nearby water holding sources can cause reactions to sensitive skin dogs(and even those tough as nails!) Contaminated field water can cause infections in open wounds or even the smallest scratch so be concerned about the post hunt bath if you frequent these areas...both for you and your dog! Even better, keep a pack of canine antibacterial wipes in your truck. During the tailgate check give your dog the once over before the marsh muck dries! This should not replace the shower and antibacterial shampoo when you get home.

Keep your canine field first aid kit well stocked. All the essentials should be thought of and available quickly. See our post http://northupland.blogspot.com/2010/05/field-first-aid-kit-essentials.html for more information.

The Tailgate Check is important as it allows you to identify any issues in a timely manner. If your travel to and from your hunting grounds are far and time consuming, this is the best place to help your dog ease an injury or painful issue quickly and efficiently.

I truly hope each of you is enjoying a great hunting season. I know Dewey and I are. The unseasonably warmer conditions here in Wisconsin is rare...but we are enjoying it while it lasts!

Best of luck out there. -Mark