11/28/2025
“How do I know when my dog has gotten too cold hunting?”
Your dog won’t always quit on their own. A good duck dog will keep jumping in because you asked them to, even when they’re getting too cold. Here are the signs I tell people to watch for:
🚨 Early “Too Cold” Signs
If you’re seeing these, it’s time to warm the dog up and give them a break:
• Shivering that doesn’t stop between retrieves
• Tight, hunched posture – tail tucked, muscles tight, looks tense instead of relaxed
• Change in attitude – a dog that was fired up now looks unsure, clingy, or miserable
• Reluctant to re-enter the water when they were eager earlier
• Slow, stiff movements getting in and out of the blind, boat, or on the bank
🚨 More Serious Warning Signs
These are red flags – hunt is over for that dog, and a vet may be needed:
• Shivering stops but the dog still looks cold and weak
• Very slow, clumsy, or “drunk” movement
• Dog seems confused, dull, or not responding normally
• Gums feel cold or look pale/blue instead of nice and pink
At this point, get the dog:
• Out of the water and wind
• Into a dry vest / towel / blanket
• Into the truck to warm up gradually
And call a vet if they’re not perking back up fairly quickly.
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Simple Rule I Give to Hunters
If you catch yourself thinking,
“I wonder if he’s getting too cold…”
That’s your answer. Yes — it’s time to warm him up and probably be done with the water work for that dog.
Mallards can wait. Your dog’s life can’t.
