As hunters, we spend countless hours conditioning our dogs, planning hunts, and fine-tuning every detail of our time in the field. But one question I hear often, especially as hunting season gets underway, has less to do with training or tactics and more to do with nutrition: "Should I be feeding my dog during the hunt?"
As both a veterinarian and a seasoned upland hunter, I've learned that a well-packed hunting vest can make the difference between a small hiccup and a major problem. It's more than a storage system for shells and birds — it's a mobile first aid station, repair shop, hydration system, and memory keeper.
As a veterinarian and avid sportsman who spends as many days in the field as possible each fall, I want to share some strategies I've used in both my career and in the field for keeping dogs hydrated, safe and performing at their peak.
Sporting dogs are elite athletes. Their foot health is just as critical to their job as their heart, lungs, or nose. Unfortunately, the dog's paw, despite being quite tough overall, is a potentially vulnerable spot for injury and overuse. Cracked pads, torn nails, interdigital sores, and even punctures can quickly sideline an otherwise healthy dog. A dog that begins limping on day two of a five-day hunt from trashed pads isn't just an inconvenience or a source of sympathy—it's a sign that your preseason foot preparation regimen may have fallen short.
Who doesn't like a dog that loves to retrieve? Whether we are tossing bumpers in the backyard, launching dummies in the field, or sending our dogs for a downed bird, owning a dog that relentlessly retrieves is something I suspect all bird hunters desire.
July and August are peak training and trialing months across much of the US, and dogs can begin to overheat quickly in high temperatures. In this story, we talk to Dr. Jennell Appel about some of the best ways to keep your dog safe and healthy when it's hot.