09/18/2026
Taking your dog hunting this season? Don't forget to prepare them, too.
Hunting dogs work hard. Long days in the field mean more physical exertion, more exposure to the elements, and more opportunities for injuries. A little preparation before the season can make a big difference.
Start with conditioning. Don't go from the backyard straight into an all-day hunt. Gradually build your dog's endurance and work on the skills they'll need in the field, whether that's retrieving, pointing, tracking, or following basic commands. Conditioning their foot pads on solid surfaces can also help prevent painful tears and bruising.
Pay attention to nutrition. Hunting dogs burn significantly more calories, so consider transitioning to a performance diet with higher protein and fat for a couple of months before the season and throughout the season. Avoid a large meal 2–3 hours before hunting. During the hunt, small amounts of food, around 20% of their daily calories, can help fuel them. Afterward, give them a good meal to help replenish energy stores.
Don't forget water. Bring plenty of fresh, filtered water rather than allowing your dog to drink from questionable water sources where they could be exposed to waterborne illnesses.
Make sure you can find them. A blaze orange vest improves visibility, while a GPS collar or AirTag can provide an extra layer of tracking if your dog gets separated from you.
And because accidents happen, bring basic first-aid supplies such as hydrogen peroxide, bandage material, saline flush, styptic powder, antibiotic ointment, hemostats, and Benadryl. It's also important to have your dog's vaccines and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention up to date.
After hunting season, a f***l test is recommended to check for parasites your dog may have picked up while spending more time outdoors.
Your hunting partner works hard for you. Make sure you are doing the prep to keep them safe and healthy in the field.
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