Cold Dog Advice ...

JMc

JMc

Super Moderator
I have hunted some pretty cold weather but nothing like it may be this Saturday. We have a guided hunt this weekend with several hunters coming in from the Dallas area. They are on their own, but I'm putting out two GSP's and one Lab Saturday at or around 5 degrees. I know most of you guys hunt much colder than that; so here's the question. Other than the usual, what precautions should I take or what advice do you have in taking care of the dogs?

Thanks,
Jim
 
Where are you hunting? And what are you hunting? Ducks...geese...pheasants?

Would assume the Lab will do OK in most weather, not so sure about your GSP's. They might appreciate a hvy. vest (Cabelas).

Most dogs will need water and if there's snow, their paws could become an issue. They'll enjoy a motel room at night!

Good Luck!
 
Yep, should have added some additional information. Pheasants in the TX Panhandle. All the dogs have been exposed to frigid temps. They have all hunted 15-30 degree days all day long. But 5-10 is expected with some moisture. Have boots if needed.
 
I would pheasant hunt with any dogi n any temperature. They are moving and working so hard that there body temp stays fine. Just check their paws every now and then. A vest for the GSP's isnt a bad idea. The labs are surely fine. If they were waterfowl hunting I would leave the GSP at home. Thicker coated dogs can hunt negative temps and break ice. You should be fine. The amount of activity of pheasant hunting in a field will keep them warm. IMO. A vet or someone from PETA might tell you otherwise though :thumbsup:

Also, warm room and bed is a much deserved reward..my dogs get that just for not crapping on my floor or eating my wifes shoes..ohh low expecations I must of set..
 
I agree the lab would be fine. A gsp with a vest should also be fine. Lots of water, and warmth at night. I have hunted my labs in negative temps in sd many times. Hope you have a good hunt
 
Keep an eye on the GSPs towards the end of the hunt. If it ends abruptly,(limit) and they have a long trek back to the truck and are not exerting the energy they were when they were hunting, they can get chilled really, really quickly, especially if theyre wet. Im speaking from experience, limiting out 3/4 mile from the truck.. Its was a long walk back, with a dog that was going downhill fast. Very scary for me..
 
I think they'll be fine. My dogs are use to 100 plus degree days but also hunt at or around 0-10. As long as they're moving around they don't get cold and will still break ice to go for a dip if water is around. Make sure they're warm and cozy in the dog box at the end of the day though, even putting two dogs in one hole for more warmth if needed.
 
Where I'm at cold is the rule and I have plenty of time in it. As others have said, the lab will probably be okay. The GSPs will be okay for a while, but keep an eye on all of them.

Even though it will be cold and damp, have plenty of water along. Keep an eye on their bellies and ears. If you start seeing them get pink/red, the dog is getting chilled. If you see any shivering, it's time to go.

Not sure it will be an issue for you but good advice anyway is to regularly check their paws for ice/snow build up. It will turn into painful little ice balls quickly. One thing that helps with my goldens is to trim out as much of the hair as I can that grows between their pads.

Best advice is to have some dry fluffy towels in the truck. Dry them off well before you leave the hunting grounds for home. Once home, keep a good eye on them as well. They will be tired from the hunt and their metabolism will slow way down because they aren't running anymore. They may be sleeping but will sometimes shiver if they got chilled.

Good luck on your hunt.
 
Thanks guys...will keep an eye on them and will let you know how the hunt goes.
 
In North Dakota I had one of my shorthairs just stop hunting and dig a hole in the snow and refuse to go on, smaller female.

I felt pretty bad about that and learned to be more careful.

I was lucky I was hunting with my daughters 20 year old boyfriend, I probably would of had a heart attack carrying the dog.
 
Mushers Secret

I was going to post a similar questions to this, I am heading to SD on Monday for a week of hunting. I have a 3yo Lab. He has hunted in cold weather not for multiple days. I have a friend who was running his lab for Rabbits in COLD weather and the dog got frost bite on his pads. Is there a product like mushers secret that will help keep the pads in good shape? Or should I not worry?

Thanks!
 
hunted Southdakota a few years ago 5 days at 1 to8 below every day. Had a vest on my lab and snow got between vest and her back when in cattails. She got soaked under the vest was not good. stopped using the vest.
 
RONMN said:
hunted Southdakota a few years ago 5 days at 1 to8 below every day. Had a vest on my lab and snow got between vest and her back when in cattails. She got soaked under the vest was not good. stopped using the vest.
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Yes. I don't use them in the snow either. I don't have any trouble hunting in snow and 30 below. Your not going to last long out there either. You just get tired walking. I hunt small spots, and go to several. Dog gets snow balls on the feet some, but that's about the time I hit the car and all is well in minutes for the next spot. If it were not for snow, 0 issues with cold. Hunt all day day after day and the dogs love it. :thumbsup:
 
cohunter84 said:
I was going to post a similar questions to this, I am heading to SD on Monday for a week of hunting. I have a 3yo Lab. He has hunted in cold weather not for multiple days. I have a friend who was running his lab for Rabbits in COLD weather and the dog got frost bite on his pads. Is there a product like mushers secret that will help keep the pads in good shape? Or should I not worry?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I am going to sd next week also. It won't be a problem for your lab. I have hunted down below 0 and dog is fine. Make sure you have some un frozen water and a place to get out of the wind between walks. Warm place to sleep at night with plenty of water. Dogs will get dehydrated in cold weather.
 
And remember that your dog is using WAY more energy in cold weather. If your dog won't eat twice as much (or more) of their daily ration they will start to lose weight fast on an extended trip. My dogs enjoy a double cheese burger to supplement their caloric intake.:thumbsup:
 
Cozy 10 degrees with the sun shining today...expecting 8 in the am with some wind in the afternoon. Truck fueled, guns and ammo loaded, dogs stoked (they just know)! Have a group of 16 to push around tomorrow and Sunday. Will let you know how it goes.
 
JMc said:
Cozy 10 degrees with the sun shining today...expecting 8 in the am with some wind in the afternoon. Truck fueled, guns and ammo loaded, dogs stoked (they just know)! Have a group of 16 to push around tomorrow and Sunday. Will let you know how it goes.
Click to expand...

You haven't even left yet and you're already having fun and full of anticipation. :thumbsup:
 
RONMN said:
hunted Southdakota a few years ago 5 days at 1 to8 below every day. Had a vest on my lab and snow got between vest and her back when in cattails. She got soaked under the vest was not good. stopped using the vest.
Click to expand...

The snow gets balled up under the vest on my Brittany as well but she is so white that I need to have the orange vest on in the snow to see her. :) I've hunted Brittanys in sub zero weather and never had a problem. I've seen more of a problem with GSP's getting cold. My buddy with a GSP uses a neoprene vest on his dog.
 
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