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Familiarising yourself with the signs of dehydration in your working dog can literally save its life when hunting in hot conditions.
As the "Glorious 12th" of 2024 is fast approaching, I am sure that most of us by now are praying that fine weather finally makes an appearance in what is shaping up to be one of the wettest summers on record, before we head towards the short, dark, dreary days of British winter.
Hopefully as we head towards the end of July and into August we will see welcome improvements in the weather, bringing warmer temperatures and drier conditions. It is important to remember that as the sun beats down and the temperature rises during the exhilarating Grouse shooting season, that your loyal four-legged companion, your working dog, needs special care to stay healthy and hydrated in the hot weather. Whether you are in the grouse butt, a hard working beater, or a reliable picker-upper, ensuring your working dog remains hydrated is key to their well-being and peak performance. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your canine partner in top form during this demanding season.
1. Know the Signs of Dehydration
It's important to recognize the signs of dehydration in your dog to act promptly. Symptoms can include excessive panting, dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. If you notice any of these signs, it's vital to take immediate action to hydrate your dog. If dehydration has gotten to the point where your dog cannot keep water down, it is imperative to get your dog to a vet immediately so the can administer fluids intravenously.
2. Always Carry Fresh Water
Before heading out for a day on the Grouse moor, make sure to pack ample fresh water for both you and your dog. Invest in a portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl for convenient hydration breaks during the day. Offering your dog water frequently is essential to prevent dehydration. Amazon have numerous collapsible, lightweight travel water bowls that are easy to carry and store away like these Colapz portable water bowls or these Paw In Town silicone foldable water bottles.
3. Opt for Early Morning or Late afternoon
To avoid the peak heat of the day, consider scheduling your beating in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. This helps reduce the risk of heat exhaustion for your dog, ensuring a more comfortable and safer outing. If you are planning on working your dog for only half of the shoot day to avoid the heat, all precautions must be taken NOT to leave your dog in a hot, unventilated vehicle for the remainder of the day to prevent heat stroke.
4. Provide Shaded Rest Areas
During breaks or while waiting for the next drive, create shaded resting spots for your dog to cool down. Setting up a portable canopy or using natural shade can help prevent overheating. Encouraging your dog to take breaks in a shaded area will help regulate their body temperature.
5. Consider Wetting Your Dog's Coat
On particularly hot days, moistening your dog's coat with cool water can help lower their body temperature. Avoid using extremely cold water, as it may shock their system. Spraying water lightly on your dog's fur or using a damp cloth can provide instant relief from the heat.
6. Offer Hydrating Treats
Hydration can also come in the form of tasty treats. Consider freezing small portions of broth or water mixed with dog-safe flavours like chicken or beef. These frozen treats can be a refreshing and hydrating snack for your dog during breaks throughout the day. For hot days on the Grouse moor where you want to carry minimal kit, electrolytes can be used for rapid hydration in the form of a formula that can be added to your dogs drinking water like these PAWER WATER wellness hydration supplement sachets from Amazon designed to allow your dog to quickly absorb fluids and essential salts, promoting fast rehydration.
7. Monitor Your Dog's Behaviour
Keep a close eye on your dog's behaviour throughout the shoot day. If your dog shows signs of fatigue, excessive panting, or reluctance to continue, it may be time for a longer break or even to call it a day. Your dog's well-being should always be the top priority.
8. Training and Acclimatization
Ensure that your working dog is gradually acclimated to the hot weather conditions before the Grouse season begins, weather permitting of course. Regular training sessions in progressively warmer temperatures can help your dog adapt and build endurance for extended shoot days.
How to tell if your working dog is dehydrated
As always in these scenarios, prevention is better than cure. If your dog shows any of the signs mentioned above, it may be dehydrated.
Does your dog look unsettled or 'wobbly' as it walks?
Sickness or signs of disorientation are signs that your working dog is dehydrated.
Monitor heart rate. Does it appear to be racing? A normal pulse rate for your dog is between 60 and 140 beats per minute, keeping in mind that the larger the dog, the slower its pulse.
Assess the gums. Are they pink and damp? (Normal) or are they dry and tacky? (Dehydrated). Press your finger into the gum for a second. If the gum returns to normal colour very slowly, it is a sign that your dog is dehydrated.
Check the elasticity of their skin. Pull the skin upwards on the back of the neck, if the skin doesn't snap back to normal position, it is a sign that your dog may need help.
So, as you gear up for another thrilling Grouse shooting season, make hydration a top priority for your faithful hunting companion. Your dog's well-being is essential for a successful and enjoyable shoot day. Here's to staying hydrated and making unforgettable memories in the great British outdoors!
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