How to take care of your hunting dog in hot weather - NewsOK.com
Water is necessary for the energy, focus and strength required in the field. And it's especially important for cushioning the joints of hard-working hunting dogs.Water sourcesDogs obtain water in three ways: by drinking it, consuming it as moisture in feed and during the metabolic breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, fats and protein.Except for extreme circumstances such as severe dehydration or prolonged exercise, dogs should be allowed to self-regulate their water intake.The amount of water derived from a dog's food depends on whether it is dry or canned. A typical diet of dry feed is typically 8 to 10 percent moisture, contributing little to a dog's daily intake.In contrast, the amount of moisture in canned feed can exceed 75 percent.Causes of water deficiencyLoss of water in dogs occurs primarily as a function of respiration and producing urine and feces.Your dog lacks sweat glands, so it pants and drools in an attempt to cool itself. While it might take weeks, months or even longer before clinical signs of most nutrient deficiencies become noticeable, evidence of water deficiency can appear in a matter of hours or days.Serious health consequences and even death from organ failure can result as losses approach 10 to 15 percent.A major cause of water deficiency is poor animal husbandry – failure to keep water containers clean or periods of interrupted water supply. Water consumption can be encouraged by keeping water fresh and cool.In large areas, keep more than one water container available. Weighted bottom bowls are less likely to be knocked over by rambunctious dogs.When traveling, stop and offer water at regular intervals. It's also helpful to take water from home to avoid refusal of "foreign-tasting" water.Signs of water deficiency1. The predominant sign of water deficiency is loss of elasticity of the skin. To test, pinch a bit of skin on the dog's shoulders between your thumb and forefinger. It should pop back quickly when you release it. Skin that is slow to move back or doesn't pop back at all can be an indication of water deficiency. You should have an idea of what your dog's skin looks and feels like under normal conditions. Remember, the skin of younger or fatter dogs can have more elasticity than older, thinner dogs.2. A dog's eyes appear sunken and lack moisture.3. A dog's mouth, gums and nose appear dry. Press against your finger against your dog's gums until they turn white. Remove your finger and see how long it takes for the blood to return to the gums, turning them pink again. The gums of a water-deficient dog could take several seconds to return to their original pink shade. If you do this test when your dog is normal, you will have a basis to compare against.- Loss of appetite- Rapid heart rate- Lethargy- DepressionIf your dog shows visible symptoms of water deficiency, take it to the vet for immediate attention. If you are unable to go immediately, keep the dog in a cool place and offer it water in small amounts. Too much water or gulping can cause vomiting and more loss of fluids. Products such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes.Editor's note: Beth Ann Amico owns Deep Fork Retrievers in Choctaw with her husband, John.
28 Aug, 2011--
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