Hunting Safety for Dogs
Dog personalities vary far and wide, but one thing is common across the board: they love being outside in the fresh air – especially during the crisp fall weather. After all, the myriad scents of the harvest are intriguing to the sniffers of backyard pooches and hunting dogs alike.
From September through March, millions of lucky hunting dogs rekindle their connection to the wilderness, display courage, and work hard to please their owner. Whether the target is big game, upland bird game, or waterfowl, dogs are major assets to a hunting party. However, there are numerous safety precautions to consider when it comes to hunting safety for dogs.
Avoiding All Cross-Hairs
Once you’ve planned where to go and what to hunt, consider the worst possible elements. Fall weather can change drastically in a short amount of time so be aware of changes in temperatures, cloud cover, and the wind. Wet hunting dogs in the fall and winter months can quickly become victims of hypothermia (low body temperature) which can be life-threatening. Your dog will have the best possible protection if his jacket or vest is:
- Visible from afar (blaze or hunters orange allows you and other hunters to see your dog)
- Waterproof
- Reflective
- Insulating
- Comfortable
Keep your pup’s back, chest and belly covered to avoid injury and keep him dry and warm. Please don’t forget to label the jacket or vest with all your contact information. If your dog will tolerate boots, wearing them will protect his paws from thorns, burrs, sticks and wetness. You also won’t be sorry for packing the good old first-aid kit.
Lastly, ensure your dog is up to date on the following vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella
- Lyme’s Disease
- Leptospirosis
Potential Toxins While Hunting
It may be easier said than done but know where your dog is the entire time you are hunting together. Of course an excited dog may run off after a scent leaving you to wonder where he’s gone and what he’s getting into.
Be aware that your dog could potentially find and ingest lead bullets or clay pigeons. The lead in bullets can cause neurological and gastrointestinal problems if your dog eats fragments or gets shot. Clay pigeons are made from coal tar and other heavy metals including lead that can lead to kidney, liver and brain damage if consumed. Although certain mushrooms are more toxic than others we recommend avoiding all mushrooms due to the possibility of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and possible kidney and liver damage. Lastly, though not typically a problem during colder weather, blue-green algae should be seriously sidestepped. Always provide fresh drinking water for your hunting dog instead of allowing him to lap at brackish, still, pea green water.
Best Friends Hunt Together
Millions of hunters venture into the woods to enjoy the hunting season each year. Whether you hunt dove, white-tail deer, wild boar, waterfowl, upland game birds or elk the bottom line is to keep your dog safe. There are countless ways your dog could get hurt or sick and we want you to be aware of the risks.
Remember, you are responsible for your dog’s whereabouts, safety, health and comfort while hunting. Doing so will create happy memories you both can share for a lifetime.