By Dr.Gaddis

An earlier opening day or dove hunting means a more than likely chance of a really HOT day. Making it a safe day for you and your 4 legged hunting partner and avoiding heat stroke starts now with conditioning them to the heat. Regular, careful workouts in the heat will help you both get ready for opening day. Start with brief workouts in moderate temperatures and gradually increase their length as well as moving them more toward the heat of the day. Be sure to have fresh water available during and after the workout.

On opening day try to find out where water is on the property. Plan your hunt location around your hunting dog by setting up near a pond or stream, which will provide a great place for keeping your dog cool. Be sure to pack in fresh water for both of you-a gallon each at least! A great way to do this is freeze half a gallon of water in a gallon Jug. Top it off at the tap as you leave home for a cool source of water during the hunt.

Heat stroke is defined as body temperature over 105° F. The clinical signs of heat stroke include rapid excessive panting, hypersalivation, increased heart rate and red to brick red mucous membranes. If these signs are prolonged they can lead to shock, depression, coma and death. While prevention is the best treatment, proper first aid is critical. Cooling down an overheated dog with a cool water bath or dunk in a pond is a first step. If a fairly quick response to this not noted then the second step is necessary. Moving air across them with a fan or driving with the windows open (on the way to the veterinarian) is the second step. The delayed effects from heat stroke and the tissue damage such as blood clotting problems can be life threatening.

Some other potential hazards to be aware of in the hunting or training field include ticks, mosquitoes, and snakebites.

Ticks on dogs are effectively controlled with Frontline Top Spot™. Be sure to apply it two days bathing and 24 hours (or more) prior to going into the field for best results. Most tick-transmitted disease requires extended (48 hours or more) feeding or attachment. Daily checks of the head, neck, and ear areas for ticks will minimize disease transmission.

The West Nile Virus (WNV) and mosquitoes have been in the news a lot lately. The greatest concern here is for humans. A good quality insect repellent will make life more pleasant and minimize disease transmission. while dogs seroconvert (immune reaction to the virus) There have been no reports of clinical disease in dogs so it appears no concern is warranted.

Snakebites are usually not life threatening IF treated properly and in a reasonable amount of time. This is a situation where treatment by a veterinarian is strongly recommended. Snakebites in dogs usually occur on the face and swell up very quickly and are very painful. Treatment includes a combination of fluids, antibiotics, antihistamines, antivenin and pain relief.

Dr. Gaddis, a veterinarian, is owner of Indian Springs Animal Clinic located at 1583 Cahaba Valley Road in North Shelby County across from Indian Springs School. Questions can be sent him at ISACVETS@aol.com or by phone