The Sportsman's Corner: Dog days – Athol Daily News

Mike Roche with Dinah and Lacey. File photo
Dinah (left) and Laney wear their protective vests as they get ready to take to the cover in search of grouse and woodcock. File Photo/Mike Roche
The second half of July has been brutally hot and humid. Referring to the hot times as “dog days” can be traced back to the antiquities, when observing the stars were a part of life and this season was linked to the heliacal rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. The heat and accompanying humidity have made life uncomfortable. It is hard to remember the time when my generation was growing up without air conditioning. We might have had a fan, but our cars, homes and offices for the most part were without air conditioning. Somehow, we survived. Today, it is hard to find a car or truck without A/C and most homes have at least one window-mounted unit. The “mini-splits” — ductless heat pumps that heat, air condition and dehumidify — are extremely popular and this writer found them to be a godsend in this weather.

This was a lead-in to have a discussion about our hunting dogs. Dogs used for upland hunting and water fowling need to get into condition. Like human athletes, they need six to eight weeks to get their bodies into top condition. That is a gradual process, when done properly, and must be started slowly in this heat and should include both exercise and diet. Retrievers do have an advantage as water work includes time in the water that really cools the body temperature. Upland dogs need to be gradually exercised and careful attention paid to avoiding over-heating. Always have water available to both drink and apply to the dog externally. Since dogs do not sweat, their panting is an effort to lower temperature. Light workouts early and late are best and low expectations are in order as the high temps make scenting difficult.

You also need to be aware that wild birds are vulnerable as hatchlings born this spring are still developing. In a couple of weeks most will be mature enough to be moved but reduce pressure when you encounter broods. My work with Laney is starting and she is showing some retrieving “stubbornness.” She will do great and then lose interest in the dummy. It may be time to get her up to Hedgerow and elicit Pat Perry’s expert advice. This is not the first time a started dog has balked at retrieving and we have plenty of time to work this through before the season opens. Other than this issue, she is really at a good place in her development, and she should be on top of her game once October arrives.

Dinah, at 14, is at the other end of the spectrum. She had health issues last season that very much limited her time afield. A balky hip is here to stay, and her workouts will be very limited. She was also recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and kidney disease. A blood test identified the issues and an antibiotic seems to have cleared up the infection, as the symptoms have disappeared. The kidney disease is a different story. What I am learning is that kidney disorders are relatively common among older dogs and cats. A special diet was recommended, and a list of suggested foods were provided. The complication was that many of the foods listed required a veterinarian’s note to purchase. That caught me by surprise, but I cannot say enough about the assistance provided by the staff at Adam’s Animal Hospital. They really went the extra mile.

Long term, it looks like the special diet will be a part of Dinah’s regimen going forward and my search for a permanent solution brought me to Mount Tully Kennels. Steve Drew was extremely prepared with products for a dog with kidney disease. It was immediately obvious that Steve is extremely knowledgeable about pet nutrition. He noted that protein and fat content are the things that make a difference in dog foods and both ingredients are listed on every bag. My history with bird dogs was feeding for energy and stamina and providing a quality food as you prepare the dog for the hunting season. Steve echoed what Dr. Temple had said regarding kidney disease. A renal diet for kidney health would feature lower protein and higher fat and fiber. He selected products from dog foods he stocks, and we were started down the road to a healthier Dinah.

Mount Tully not only has reasonably priced options in both dry and canned food but obviously Steve is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. They suggested a small package of dry food to try. My decision was to mix in canned food and Dinah, two weeks later, is much more energetic and really likes the change from the old dog food! We will see how she progresses and hopefully will be able to hunt some small covers with her and she can be a part of the team for another fall.
My conversation with Steve led to the many dietary needs for dogs. Big dogs, young dogs, old dogs, working dogs, overweight dogs — they all have special food needs, and one dog food cannot meet all needs. We were fortunate to get great advice and service locally from a vet and businessman who are knowledgeable and caring. Life with bird dogs is never boring.
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, Counselor, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at [email protected].
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