As the leaves change and usher in autumn, many people gear up for fall hunting season in the Midwest. 

It’s important to take time to consider ways you can try to prevent injuries and lameness in your canine partner to have a safe and successful hunting season each year. 
 

Be conscious of your dog’s fitness level. Lack of fitness leads to fatigue, which significantly increases the risk of soft tissue injuries. If your dog is not as fit as they ideally should be, take a lot of breaks and keep hunts short until they become fit. This will prevent injuries that could result in an ending their hunting season early.

Warm up your dog at the beginning of a hunt. Don’t pull your dog out of their box or off the chain and cut them loose. Briskly walking your dog for 10 minutes before letting them break away allows their muscles to warm and loosen before the stress and exertion of running to prevent injury. You wouldn’t run a mile without doing some warm-ups,so be sure you’re not running yoyr dogs without allowing them to warm up.

Cool down at the end of a hunt. Similarly to properly warming up muscles at the beginning of a hunt, allowing your dog to cool down at the end of a hunt is important in injury prevention. Once you are done running your dog and before putting your dog back in its box or on the chain, cooling your dog properly can prevent cramping and injuries. During this phase walking them until their breathing returns to normal will decrease the occurrence of delayed onset muscle soreness and allow better recovery between hunts

Be aware of signs of heat stroke, especially on hot and humid days. Take breaks (in shade when possible) frequently and provide plenty of water. On excessively hot days dogs may need to be rested and watered every 15 minutes.

Consider the terrain you are hunting in. Depending on what species and where you are hunting the terrain can change significantly. Different environments and terrains can increase risks of limb and paw injuries and wounds. Be sure to check your dog’s legs and feet after every hunt for wounds, swellings, or pain.

Amber Dequaine DVM, CVSMT, CCRT, is a small animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation resident at the University of Minnesota of Veterinary Medical Center.