As hunting season approaches in Memphis, Tennessee, outdoor adventures with your dog can be exciting. However, it’s essential to take steps to ensure your pet’s safety during this active time of year. At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital, we’re here to provide expert advice on keeping your pet safe from the unique risks that come with hunting season.

1. Identify and Protect Against Hazards

Hunting season presents several potential hazards for pets. Whether you’re out on a hunt or enjoying a hike, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers and take preventative measures to protect your dog:

  • Accidental injuries: Pets can accidentally wander into areas where hunters are active or where traps have been set. Always keep your pet close.
  • Wildlife encounters: Pets may encounter wildlife such as snakes, coyotes, or other aggressive animals during hunts. It’s important to monitor your pet and ensure they are protected against these threats.
  • Poisonous plants and mushrooms: While out in the wild, dogs may come across toxic plants or mushrooms that can cause serious health issues if ingested. Keep a close eye on your dog and be familiar with the local flora to avoid accidental poisoning.

In the event of an injury or dangerous encounter, knowing how to handle emergencies is critical. For advice on what to do in an emergency, check out our Your Go-To Guide for Pet Emergencies.

2. Visibility and Safety Gear

Visibility is key when venturing into hunting areas with your pet. Invest in brightly colored, reflective collars and vests for your dog to make sure they are easily seen, even in low light. Additionally, consider using a GPS collar to track your dog’s location at all times. This can be especially helpful in large outdoor areas where your dog might wander off or chase a fast-moving animal.

Reflective gear is an easy way to help hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts spot your pet, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries.

3. Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Hunting season increases the likelihood of your pet coming into contact with wildlife and potentially harmful viruses and bacteria that can spread from wildlife to dogs. Ensuring your dog is up to date on vaccinations is vital for their protection. Vaccines such as rabies and leptospirosis are particularly important if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.  For more information on the importance of vaccinations, read our guide on Understanding Your Dog’s Vaccinations.

Ticks and fleas are also more prevalent during hunting season, so make sure your dog is on a reliable flea and tick prevention regimen as well.

4. Leash Training and Recall Commands

A well-trained dog is a safer dog. Leash training is essential for keeping your pet under control during hunts or walks in unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, having a strong recall command is invaluable when your dog needs to be called back quickly from potentially dangerous areas, such as roads or wildlife zones.

Make sure your dog is comfortable walking on a leash and responding to commands before taking them on longer outdoor excursions. 

5. Post-Hunt Health Check

After a hunting trip or outdoor adventure, it’s important to check your pet for any signs of injury, fatigue, or discomfort. Examine your dog’s paws for cuts, abrasions, or foreign objects like thorns. Look for ticks, burrs, or other debris in your pet’s fur, and give them a thorough brushing to remove anything that could cause irritation.

It’s also a good idea to monitor your pet’s behavior in the hours following the outing. If they seem lethargic or are favoring one leg, it could indicate they’ve strained a muscle or suffered an injury.

6. When to Seek Veterinary Care

If your pet shows signs of injury, illness, or abnormal behavior after a hunting trip, it’s important to bring them in for a veterinary evaluation and tell them you have just come back from an outdoor excursion. At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive care to ensure your dog recovers quickly and comfortably from any outdoor adventure.

If your pet requires medical attention, don’t hesitate to Contact Us to schedule a visit or speak with our team for advice.

Conclusion

Hunting season is a time of excitement and adventure, but it also brings unique risks for your dog. By being proactive with visibility gear, proper vaccinations, and regular health checks, you can ensure your pet stays safe and healthy during outdoor excursions. If you have any questions or need help preparing your dog for the season, reach out to the team at Southern Crossing Animal Hospital for expert guidance