11/12/2025
“The More you Know:” Hunting dog safety
Dogs and their owners were hunting together 20,000 years ago, and some continue to do so today. While most of us no longer depend on wild game for survival, hunting still has a place in the modern world as a form of exercise and sport for our canine companions. Even though hunting can be a controversial subject, there are many man-dog partnerships that participate in a respectful, responsible fashion that strengthens the bond between owner and dog.
Basic obedience skills, coupled with specific hunting skills, is imperative to keeping your hunting dog safe. Basic obedience training should begin early in puppies with fundamentals such as sit, stay, and come. Expansion of that education to tracking and retrieving requires extensive time and training on the part of both the dog and the hunter. Exposure to other animals, people, and places with their new sights, sounds, and scents is a key priority when preparing puppies for hunting. Making sure your dog wears proper identification and is microchipped when going on a hunt will help reunite dogs with their owner should they become unexpectedly separated.
Hunting can be physically challenging, so getting and keeping your dog in shape will help prevent unnecessary injuries. As with all exercise, start out slowly and gradually increase intensity to improve stamina. Foot pads can be conditioned by running on solid surfaces before hunting on rough terrain to prevent torn or bruised foot pads. Always check your pet after a hunt for any cuts, seeds, or debris that they may have obtained on their body, in their fur coat, and in their eyes, nose, and ears.
Since hunting dogs have a greater risk of exposure than most dogs, it is important to make sure all of your dog's vaccinations are up to date. Ask your veterinarian if there are additional recommended vaccines your dog should receive based on you wanting to hunt. Also let them know where you plan to go hunting, as some diseases are found in certain areas and not others. Since your dog will be exposed to parasites in the outdoors, keep them on year-round heartworm and intestinal parasite preventive. Also, administer medication for external parasites like fleas and ticks.
It is recommended to carry bottled water or bring water from home to avoid intestinal upset while on a hunt. Collapsable water bowls can be carried for convenience. Be prepared for emergencies by packing a first aid kit that includes hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, bandaging material (gauze, tape), and hemostats or pliers to remove thorns or stickers. Owners should also be mindful of the temperature and rest their dog appropriately when hunting in warmer or very cold weather to avoid hyper- or hypothermia. Keep contact information for a veterinary emergency clinic on hand in case your dog requires immediate care during or after a hunt.
Although hunting is not for every person or every dog, those that choose this sport will enjoy the outdoor activity and strengthen the bond between owner and canine companion.
