By David DiBenedetto

First, a few facts: Heat stroke kills gun dogs. And it kills fast. If you don’t believe me, ask some trainers who have been around this sport for a few years. Their stories will surprise you.

None of this is ever far from my mind as I prepare Pritch for bird season. Here in Charleston, afternoon temperatures often hover in the low 90s during July and August. I’ve spoken to many pros to get their take on the proper balance between conditioning and training a dog for an early bird season (like doves in the South) and just being plain stupid. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Train Early and Late: Pritch and I often train before work when the temperatures are mild and there is dew on the grass (which helps with cooling). In the evenings, I wait until dusk to get a session in and often mix in water retrieves. (Remember, a farm pond can be as warm as bath water and may not cool off a dog one bit.) Still, Pritch will need to be conditioned for the heat of dove season, so whenever possible I work on her obedience skills at lunch—always with a watchful eye.

Don’t Go Long: Use common sense when working in the heat. Keep retrieves short and opt for an area with shade.

Water, Water, Water: Whenever we train I have water and a collapsible bowl handy. Occasionally, I’ll douse Pritch during a land session to cool her off. Don’t skimp. Always bring plenty of water.

Give ‘Em a Buzz: For long-haired hunting dogs, a trim can cut down on the effects of heat.

Watch for the Early Signs: One of the first signs you’ll notice as heat stress occurs in your dog is rapid, heavy panting. As the condition progresses, the pup may have excess saliva and her gums may turn dark red. Under any circumstance, do not take these indicators lightly. If a dog with any of these symptoms lies down and won’t get up, do not mistake this for lack of desire! Cool the dog down.

If the Worst Happens: If your dog starts stumbling like a punch-drunk fighter or seems dazed and confused, death could be near. You must immediately take steps to cool her off. Bring her to the shade and spray her with water, making sure to wet her underbelly. (An ice bath will constrict blood vessels, mitigating the effects of the cold water.) If you’re near the truck, crank up the AC and get the dog in cool air. Try to get her to drink water (or even a sports drink), and head to the vet’s office. Even a dog that has seemingly recovered should be examined. Some effects of heatstroke, involving the dog’s vital organs, won’t show themselves until the day after an incident. Also, once a dog has had a heat episode, there’s a likely chance it will happen again, even under lesser conditions.

Always remember that as a trainer you must think like a dog—and, most importantly, for your dog. You make the decisions. Be sure to make the right one when it comes to training in the heat of summer.

Comments (10)

from OTMBoykins wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

That is an excellent point about the pond water. In the summer time, that water can be hot. Water is a much better conductor of heat so it can heat your dog up rapidly.

Even a conditioned dog can overheat in a hurry. Your dog can be hunting like a madman one minute and paralized from the waist down the next.

Opening day of dove season is sweltering here in Alabama. I always bring a bag of ice for the dog. He can sit on it, eat it, or what ever. I just want him cool.

If you plan on hunting in the heat (or cold for that matter), it is important that your dog is conditioned to the temperature. It is unhealthy, unfair, and unkind to bring your dog that has been lounging on a 72 degree couch out to the dove field.

Best afield,

John

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from pinopolis wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

great advice—probably the most important post of the summer.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from DogswithDaveSanDiego wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Great advice on the dangers of summer heat!

Another sign of over-heating is a dog's tongue hanging out of the side of his/her mouth!

Not only do I give water at regular intervals but also wipe the dogs coat with water throughout the day BEFORE they get to hot!

Have a great summer all!

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

I have heard that anything over 65 is tough on dogs during training or hunting.They dont have sweat glands to cool down we have to do it for them.You may not want to feed before training the digestion causes a lot of heat also.I have never seen a dog suffer from heat stroke but I have seen a lot of idiots drag their dogs ice fishing shaking uncontrolably.I could never live in the south maybe South Dakota.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from James Card wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Spaniels can always use a buzz in the summer to stay cool. How would you like running around with all of that hair? Shave Pritch and post some photos of the dog's haircut.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from huskerguy wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Great advice. I like the picture as well.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Basically... use common sense when training your dog. Do not work your dog too hard or too long, especially in the heat. Make sure to give your dog a lot of water and once again, just have fun with it.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from muskiemaster wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

thanks for the advice I get home from my vacation on tuesday and we start hardcore training again. Although lately in wisconsin the temperatures have been crazy one second your in the 60's and then your in the 90's the next day so just another thing I've learned that works good is one of the regular bottled waters with the squeeze sides on it also work go for cooling your dog off and make it easier for the dog to drink from then just pouring it if you don't feel like carrying a dish with you. has pritch learned to drink from a water bottle yet? it can be a helpful tool for her to learn when you need to carry a water bottle with no dish around.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

muskiemaster--We haven't learned the water bottle drinking trick yet but mainly 'cause I haven't tried it with her, I imagine. The bowl I carry is a plastic cheapie that folds up and fits in my back pocket. -D

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from chadian wrote 2 years 41 weeks ago

capture your moment in history with the enduring leagacy of art. chad lavin studio. www.lavinstudio.com

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Shyloh Jacobs wrote 1 year 5 weeks ago

Thank you for sharing this information! I have always been very cautious with my pets in these situations. I wonder if canary supplies offers some kind of heat stroke pill like they do for humans?

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

from OTMBoykins wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

That is an excellent point about the pond water. In the summer time, that water can be hot. Water is a much better conductor of heat so it can heat your dog up rapidly.

Even a conditioned dog can overheat in a hurry. Your dog can be hunting like a madman one minute and paralized from the waist down the next.

Opening day of dove season is sweltering here in Alabama. I always bring a bag of ice for the dog. He can sit on it, eat it, or what ever. I just want him cool.

If you plan on hunting in the heat (or cold for that matter), it is important that your dog is conditioned to the temperature. It is unhealthy, unfair, and unkind to bring your dog that has been lounging on a 72 degree couch out to the dove field.

Best afield,

John

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from pinopolis wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

great advice—probably the most important post of the summer.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from DogswithDaveSanDiego wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Great advice on the dangers of summer heat!

Another sign of over-heating is a dog's tongue hanging out of the side of his/her mouth!

Not only do I give water at regular intervals but also wipe the dogs coat with water throughout the day BEFORE they get to hot!

Have a great summer all!

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

I have heard that anything over 65 is tough on dogs during training or hunting.They dont have sweat glands to cool down we have to do it for them.You may not want to feed before training the digestion causes a lot of heat also.I have never seen a dog suffer from heat stroke but I have seen a lot of idiots drag their dogs ice fishing shaking uncontrolably.I could never live in the south maybe South Dakota.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from James Card wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Spaniels can always use a buzz in the summer to stay cool. How would you like running around with all of that hair? Shave Pritch and post some photos of the dog's haircut.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from huskerguy wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Great advice. I like the picture as well.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Basically... use common sense when training your dog. Do not work your dog too hard or too long, especially in the heat. Make sure to give your dog a lot of water and once again, just have fun with it.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from muskiemaster wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

thanks for the advice I get home from my vacation on tuesday and we start hardcore training again. Although lately in wisconsin the temperatures have been crazy one second your in the 60's and then your in the 90's the next day so just another thing I've learned that works good is one of the regular bottled waters with the squeeze sides on it also work go for cooling your dog off and make it easier for the dog to drink from then just pouring it if you don't feel like carrying a dish with you. has pritch learned to drink from a water bottle yet? it can be a helpful tool for her to learn when you need to carry a water bottle with no dish around.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

muskiemaster--We haven't learned the water bottle drinking trick yet but mainly 'cause I haven't tried it with her, I imagine. The bowl I carry is a plastic cheapie that folds up and fits in my back pocket. -D

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from chadian wrote 2 years 41 weeks ago

capture your moment in history with the enduring leagacy of art. chad lavin studio. www.lavinstudio.com

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Shyloh Jacobs wrote 1 year 5 weeks ago

Thank you for sharing this information! I have always been very cautious with my pets in these situations. I wonder if canary supplies offers some kind of heat stroke pill like they do for humans?

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.