Tips on how to protect hunting dog from the cold

Ensuring the well-being of your hunting dog is crucial in cold weather. Here are eight tips to help protect your hunting dog from the cold.

1. Choose a more optimal time for hunting: Plan the time of hunting with the dog in the warmer parts of the day. Late morning or early afternoon may be more comfortable for your dog than early morning or late evening.
2. Monitor the dog’s activity while hunting: In cold weather, the dog spends significantly more energy while hunting, and therefore it also gets tired faster. Therefore, he should be allowed longer rest breaks on hunting days. From the Huntloc app, you can see how much the dog has moved on the day of the hunt.
3. Dry the dog properly after the hunt: If the dog gets wet in snow or sleet, dry it properly, remove the ice accumulated in the fur. Moisture increases the risk of freezing. You have to be especially careful when you put a snowy or wet dog in a cold car. There could be a fleece blanket to warm the dog.
4. Check the condition of the paws after the hunt: In cold weather, the dog’s paws can dry out and crack. Snow with an ice crust on it especially damages a dog’s paws. Use paw wax or conditioner to protect paws from ice and snow.
5. Add more calories to the food: In cold weather, the dog spends more energy to keep itself warm. Increase the dog’s food portions to compensate for the energy loss.
6. Cold and windproof dog house: If the dog is mostly outdoors, a warm and comfortable sleeping place for the dog, where it can hide from the cold. It could be a place where the wind does not blow and which is definitely protected from precipitation. If desired, you can consider a special insulated dog bed. If the weather is particularly cold, provide a place for the dog indoors to warm up and relax.
7. Know your dog’s limits: Every dog is unique and cold tolerance can vary depending on breed, size, age and health. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and adjust their outdoor activities accordingly. Learn the signs of frostbite, such as shivering, and check for frostbite in the ears, paw pads an tail. If you notice these symptoms, bring the dog to a warmer place.
8. Consult a Veterinarian: Every dog is different, so consult your vet for specific recommendations regarding your dog’s health and coping with cold weather. Visit the vet regularly to make sure your dog is at the right weight to handle the cold. A veterinarian can also make recommendations based on the specific breed and situation.