Warm Weather Dog Care: Tips to Prevent Overheating During Warm Weather Hunts

Warm Weather Dog Care: Tips to Prevent Overheating During Warm Weather Hunts

By Chad Carman

Gundogs are invaluable companions in and out of hunting season. Hunting in warm weather, like early teal, dove, or the upland openers can pose significant risks to our furry companions, primarily due to the danger of overheating. Ensuring your gundog remains cool and comfortable is essential to prevent turning a good hunt into a nightmare. Here are some critical tips to help keep your gundog from overheating while hunting in warm weather.

Understanding the Risks and What to Look For

Before we delve into preventive measures, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with overheating. Dogs don’t sweat like humans; they primarily cool down through panting and to a lesser extent, their paw pads. As a result, they are more susceptible to heat stress and heatstroke. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, and collapse. A tell-tale sign is when your dog’s normally pink tongue or gums becomes swollen and discolored; blood red, blue or even black. Immediate action is necessary if you notice these symptoms, as heatstroke can be fatal.

Pre-Hunt Preparation

Preparation is the key to preventing overheating. Just like NFL linemen don’t jump straight into the season, your dog should have a pre-season too. Get your lazy butt off the couch and condition your dog regularly during the summer. Gradually acclimate your gundog to higher temperatures by extending the duration of exercise in the heat bit by bit in the weeks or months leading up to the opener. Dogs aren’t robots – they can’t go from couch shape to in-season shape overnight. Also ensure your dog is well-hydrated in the days leading up to the hunt. A gundog in optimal health and condition will handle the heat better than one that is not.

Additionally, for those of you with long-hair retrievers, consider trimming your dog’s coat, but don’t shave it completely. A dog’s coat offers some level of protection against the sun. Also, consider the timing and location of your hunt. Early morning or late evening hunts are preferable as temperatures are generally lower and avoid open fields during the hottest parts of the day.

On the Hunt: Essential Gear and Practices

When hunting in warm weather, always carry enough water for both you and your dog. There are dozens of handy water bottles with built-in bowls available on Amazon for cheap. Quite frankly, there’s no excuse for your dog to be on a hunt without water, even when hunting in water. Dehydration is an oft-overlooked concern for water dogs, but the reality is that most dogs aren’t lapping up water while they’re swimming.  Encourage regular drinking breaks, even if your dog doesn’t appear thirsty. Hydration helps regulate body temperature and maintain energy levels.

Providing Shade and Rest

Regular breaks in shaded areas are crucial. Scout your hunting area for natural shade such as trees or bushes. If natural shade is not available, take a break back to the truck just in case. If you’re sweating, they’re likely hot, too. During breaks, allow your dog to lie down and cool off. Offering your dog a chance to rest in cool, damp areas can help lower their body temperature. If possible, bring along a small battery-operated fan to enhance airflow and cooling during breaks. The Ryobi kits from Home Depot are one of my personal favorites for an early season dove hunt in Oklahoma. Plus, you can use a carabiner and clip them to the dog box for warm weather travel.

Monitoring and Emergency Measures

If you happen to notice the signs of dehydration or heat stroke, it’s time to act. Don’t wait. Don’t do “one more.” If you notice reduced activity, excessive panting, drooling, and red or pale gums, immediately cease hunting activities and move your dog to a cooler area.

Wet your dog with cool (not cold) water, focusing on the paws, belly, and armpits. You’d be amazed at how quickly cool, ankle high water can alleviate heat concerns for a dog standing in it. A word of warning: avoid using ice-cold water as it can constrict blood vessels and impede cooling. I’m aware of a training scenario where a handler attempted to cool his dog suffering from heatstroke by packing ice around it while lying down. The outcome for the dog was not positive. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary assistance immediately. A dog that suffers a true heatstroke may never fully recover and may be more prone to overheating in the future.

Post-Hunt Care

After the hunt, continue to monitor your dog for any delayed signs of heat stress like lethargy or disorientation. Encourage rest and provide plenty of water. A cool, shaded area like a dog box with fan circulation for recovery is essential. Your floorboard with the AC on Max is even better.

At the end of the day, part of the reason we love our furry companions in the field is because they’re willing to do what we aren’t in order to please us. It’s our job as handlers to ensure they stay out of harm’s way. Hunting with your gundog in warm weather requires careful planning and constant vigilance. By preparing adequately, equipping yourself with the right gear, and being mindful of your dog’s condition, you can ensure that your gundog remains safe and performs optimally. Remember, the well-being of your loyal hunting partner should always be a top priority. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your hunting expeditions while keeping your gundog cool, comfortable, and healthy.