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Cold Weather Hunting Warning

1K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  fetch21 
#1 ·
With this current cold spell underway I thought this worth reminding everyone about. We humans have such good equipment it's not that bad going out in really cold weather, but it is extra dangerous for your dog.

Most who have hunted awhile already know this, but it's worth repeating and if you're relatively new it's definitely something to take into account.

Hypothermia in dogs happens faster than U think.

Moreover, ice is a problem and hips are at risk; ice over deep water (so U cannot rescue your dog) is deadly ... especially if your dog's dew claws have been removed ... and most are.

A portable heater, a collar that won't slip, and leash to control your dog from an inadvertent ice adventure can be worth their weight in gold. Also, something relatively dry to sit on, and a shield from the wind are obvious advantages for the dogs.
 
#3 ·
waveslider said:
As I've told several of you, I watched an idiot road hunter put his dog in the river at -12 degrees last year and when the dog came right back to shore (no chance at retrieving the duck) he shoved the dog in the back of the pickup, uncovered and open to the wind and drove off.

I couldn't decide whether to put a bullet in the dog, or the owner.
OMG. That is horrible, bullet belongs in the owner. Going out tomorrow, as much as I LOVE hunting over my dog, one of the main reasons I bird hunt, she will be staying home since we are doing a layout hunt without the comfort of the boat blind and heaters. Plus we will be on the shady side of the river so no chance to warm her up after retrieves.
 
#4 ·
A properly fitted vest will do wonders for your dog. A dog in good condition wearing a properly fitted vest can hunt in almost any conditions. put your hand inside your dogs vest on your next really cold hunt and you will never doubt they are warm, it feels like a furnace in there. Never let your dog stand in the water while waiting for birds this is how they get hypothermic.
 
#5 ·
My dog spends his days almost entirely outside in his Igloo in the Kennel. The straw is 6" deep inside. He spends his nights in the garage, in a very large dog house
But not today!
This morning was -15*. I let him out to do his business, and in just two minutes he was trying to lift all four feet at once to get them out of the snow.
Back to the garage he went! He won't be made to be outside, even in his kennel.
No need to. Ain't worth him having to deal with it until it gets a wee bit warmer.
 
#6 ·
All dogs handle these conditions differently, just like people. I have two labs and ironically the older smaller one handles the cold noticeably better than the younger bigger one. Just observe your dog and use some common sense and you shouldn't have a problem. Your dog will let you know if it's too cold for them. Of course taking some proper precautions like mentioned by others (vests, heaters, something to block wind) is always a plus.
 
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