Preparing for hunting season involves many tasks. You need to get your tags, prepare your decoys and guns, and make trip reservations. Is your trusted hunting dog on your list of preparations? If not, it should be.

The process of getting your dog in prime condition for the coming season starts at least one month before the hunting trip. They should be examined for body condition and health concerns, and you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. The vet will ask if you are current with your flea and tick, heartworm and any other medications your canine friend should be taking. Depending on where you will be hunting, rattlesnake or Lyme disease vaccinations may occur at the appointment.

Hunting trips across state lines involve extra requirements, including health papers for your dog. Find out what you need to do to comply with air travel and automobile trip requirements. Your vet can provide the paperwork necessary to comply with appropriate regulations.

When hunting, dogs can travel twice as many miles in the field as their human counterparts. Talk to the vet about their specific requirements for high-protein, high-fat feed to help meet their caloric needs, as they can quickly lose weight during this period of heightened activity. In the weeks prior to the season, your dog may need to get a little more exercise as part of conditioning to be up to the challenge.

In the excitement of the hunt, emergencies can arise. Eye injuries are more common than owners think, as many dogs develop corneal abrasions and conjunctivitis from dusty/dry fields each year. A first aid kit fit for a hunting dog includes:
• Small and large bandaging material
• Coflex or another medical wrap
• Gauze
• Triple antibiotic or Neosporin
• Disinfectant for wound flushing
• Generic saline for eye flushing
• Medications prescribed for the dog, such as anti-inflammatory meds, eye drops, etc.

For more severe emergencies and health concerns, research the location of small animal veterinary clinics in the area and determine what services they offer to dogs. Note their hours of operation and keep their regular and emergency contact numbers handy.