Wild Games Labradors

09/02/2024

☀️ Heat Safety During Dove Season ☀️

With dove season just around the corner, it’s crucial to be prepared if your dog shows signs of overheating. Here’s what you need to know and have on hand:

🚨 Recognize the Signs: If your dog is panting excessively, drooling, appears weak, or is unresponsive, they may be suffering from heatstroke. Immediate action is needed!

🧊 Cooling Your Dog Down:
👉 Get Them to Shade: Move your dog to a cool, shaded area as quickly as possible.
👉 Apply Cool (Not Cold) Water: Gently wet your dog’s body with cool water, focusing on areas like the belly, armpits, and paws. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can slow the cooling process.
👉 Use a Fan: If possible, use a fan to increase air circulation and help cool them down faster.
👉 Offer Small Amounts of Water: Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water frequently.

🩹 First Aid Kit Essentials for Overheating:
👉 Cool Water & Portable Water Bowl: Always have plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated and to cool them down.
👉 Cooling Towels or Packs: Place these on your dog to lower their temperature quickly. A cooling vest is also a great option.
👉 Rubbing Alcohol: Applying a small amount to your dog’s paw pads can help lower their body temperature.
👉 Thermometer: A digital thermometer to monitor your dog's temperature. A normal range is between 101°F and 102.5°F. Anything above 104°F is an emergency.

Remember: If your dog shows severe signs of heatstroke—like rapid breathing, weakness, or unresponsiveness—cool them down and get to the vet immediately!

09/02/2024

09/02/2024

🚨How to Handle Rattlesnake Bites on Your Dog During Dove Season🚨

Dove season is an exciting time for hunters and their canine companions, but it also comes with potential dangers. Rattlesnakes are a serious threat, especially in the early fall when they’re still active. If your dog gets bitten by a rattlesnake while you’re out in the field, quick and calm action is critical.

🛑 Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First and foremost, remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse for both you and your dog. Quickly assess the severity of the bite. Look for swelling, puncture wounds, or signs of pain and distress in your dog. Most bites occur on the face, neck, or legs.

🚑 Get Your Dog to a Vet Immediately
A rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. The venom can cause severe tissue damage, blood clotting issues, and even death if not treated promptly. If you’re far from a vet, keep your dog as still as possible to slow the spread of venom. Carry them if you can.

❌ Do NOT Attempt First-Aid Measures Like Cutting or Sucking the Wound
Old myths about treating snake bites can do more harm than good. Don’t try to cut the wound or suck out the venom. These actions can increase the risk of infection and make the situation worse.

🧘‍♂️ Keep Your Dog Calm and Restrained
Prevent your dog from running around or getting overly excited. Movement increases blood flow, which can speed up the spread of venom through their body.

🛠️ Use a Snake Bite Kit or Apply a Pressure Bandage if Available
If you have a snake bite kit, follow the instructions carefully. Applying a loose pressure bandage above the bite site may help slow the venom’s spread until you can reach a vet. However, avoid using a tourniquet, as this can cause further tissue damage.

🩺 Be Prepared for Shock
Rattlesnake venom can cause your dog to go into shock. Keep them warm and as comfortable as possible during transport to the vet. Monitor their breathing and try to keep them calm.

🐍 Prevention is Key
To reduce the risk of snake bites, consider using rattlesnake aversion training for your dog before heading into the field. Keep your dog on a lead in areas where snakes are known to be present, and always be vigilant.

Final Thoughts
Rattlesnake bites are serious, but quick and informed actions can save your dog’s life. Always carry the contact information of the nearest emergency vet when you’re out hunting, and consider carrying a snake bite kit in your hunting gear. Stay safe and enjoy your dove season!

What to Include in a Snake Bite Kit for Dogs:

🐾 Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): This antihistamine can help reduce the allergic reaction to the venom. Consult your vet for the correct dosage for your dog.
🩹 Bandages or Gauze: For wrapping the wound and helping to slow the spread of venom.
🔧 Elastic Bandage (for a pressure wrap): Can be used to apply light pressure above the bite site to slow venom spread.
💉 Syringe or Measuring Spoon: For administering liquid medications like Benadryl.
📞 Emergency Vet Contact Info: Always have the nearest vet’s contact information readily available.
🚰 Saline Solution: For cleaning the wound if necessary.
🧊 Cold Packs: To help reduce swelling in the affected area.

09/01/2024

08/26/2024

National Dog Day 2024
*Rules For Owning a Gun Dog*
1. Spend time with them each day. You are their everything.
2. Don’t hide your excitement, let them see the kid in you.
3. Your expectations of a bird dog are high, but their expectations of an owner should be higher.
4. Don’t sleep on it, take them to the vet.
5. Go hunting with them at least one time just the two of you.
6. Tell your new friends about your old dogs.
7. Their weaknesses aren’t the only ones in the field.
8. Judge your hunting friends by how they treat their dogs.
9. Always stop to pet them.
10. Stop walking and sit down. You will see how much they love you. Enjoy it.
11. Treat puppies like puppies and treat your 12 year old like he still is one.
12. Know when to retire them and give them everything they want. They gave you everything they had.
13. Have patience when they are hard of hearing. It comes from years of hearing everything.
14. Show your kids that there are reasons to be gentle in this world. Bird dogs are just one of them.
15. You helped them down the stairs when they were young. Help them up the stairs when they are old.
16. Take the picture every single damn time. It’s worth it.
17. Enjoy their determination, even when it’s not after a bird.
18. When it’s time to say goodbye don’t leave their side. Hold them. They know what’s happening and they’re happy you are with them.
19. Remember them, visit the places that made you both so happy. Think about them while you stop walking and sit down with their protégé on an October afternoon.
20. Understand that you can not fill the hole they left in your heart, but remember them and they will be with you every step of the way.

08/26/2024

🚨 Dove Season Safety Tip: Handling Seeds in Your Dog’s Eyes 🚨

As we count down to opening day, it's essential to prepare for every scenario, including what to do if seeds get into your dog’s eyes while out in the field. 🌾👀

🐾 Stay Calm: Keep your dog still and calm to prevent further irritation.

🔍 Inspect the Eye: Gently check if the seed is visible and can be easily removed. Be careful not to push it deeper into the eye.

💧 Flush the Eye: Use clean water or saline solution to gently flush the eye. This might help remove any small seeds or debris.

🚑 Seek Veterinary Care: If the seed doesn’t come out easily or if your dog shows signs of discomfort (redness, excessive blinking, pawing at the eye), head to the vet immediately. Eye injuries can quickly become serious.

Have You Experienced This? Have you had this happen before? How did you handle it? Share your experiences and tips in the comments! 🗣️

Your dog’s safety is our top priority—let’s keep them safe and ready for a successful season! 🐾🎯

08/26/2024

Early Season Retriever Safety By Bill Miller The conditions and terrain most dogs encounter during the early duck season are significantly different than on other opening days, such as a dove hunt in a hot, dry field. Nor do duck dogs put on the dry, dusty miles of bird dogs in the prairie states hu...

08/26/2024

We had a blast!

6TH Annual event in honor of community leader Bill Yowell who passed in 2017

08/24/2024

Another look at Ember.

https://huntinglabpedigree.com/pedigree.asp?id=143363&fbclid=IwY2xjawE0d_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHezzFeS5qX66Upg2q005wM0KDOMg6J-qTEFFfueESx-Gq5YkGPbQrGYk2w_aem_BdY7aU6DCJIgMxYKu8Op4w

08/22/2024

Ember.
https://huntinglabpedigree.com/pedigree.asp?id=143363&fbclid=IwY2xjawE0d_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHezzFeS5qX66Upg2q005wM0KDOMg6J-qTEFFfueESx-Gq5YkGPbQrGYk2w_aem_BdY7aU6DCJIgMxYKu8Op4w

08/21/2024

It's hot out there folks! Stay vigilant!

08/05/2024

We love getting feedback from our customers who see the value in their pups and dedicate the time and effort in training them to their potential. We're blessed to have some great relationships with fellow dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, and trainers in this sport!

07/17/2024

Veterinarian recommended blog for your dog's health.

All information sheets found on this page can be freely downloaded, printed and distributed. The authors only request that this website

07/16/2024

We got to get over to the Bryan-College Station Retrievers Club tonight. We had Dr. Kate Aicher, DVM from TAMU sharing about Canine Respiratory Disorders. Good info for taking good care of the dogs we love and admire so much!

06/29/2024

Fourth of July is next Thursday!

If you know your pet gets anxious on this day, now is the time to call your vet for meds! Do not wait until the day before!
Start preparing to help keep your furry friends safe!
Here’s a few tips below on what you can do to keep them safe!

06/29/2024

Sponsorships and team sign-ups are now open! See you August 24th! Air-conditioned space for breakfast and lunch is available, so come beat the August heat with us!

06/25/2024

We may be a little biased. 😉😁