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If you check the history of dogs, you’ll find out that they are excellent hunters and retrievers. Hunting dogs generally require some extra care and training which the stay-at-home dogs might not need. It is crucial to ensure that your hunting dog is always well cared for and in good health.
Learning how to keep your dog in good health will help ensure you enjoy a successful and fun-filled hunting season. If you and your hunting dog are considering going hunting, it’s important to be well prepared and safe.
In this article, we have compiled 5 tips on how to take care of your hunting dog during hunting season:
1. Medical check-up
Your dog needs to undergo a thorough physical check-up from a professional veterinarian so as to ensure he is fit and in good health for the hunting activities. The veterinarian can also vaccinate your hunting dog so as to protect him against various diseases like Lyme disease.
Hunting dogs, generally require more checkups than the stay at home dogs since they are much more exposed to harsh weather elements, wildlife, and insects, and are at a much higher risk of injuries when out hunting. Due to these risks, it is important to always keep an eye on your hunting dog’s health.
2. Safety gear
It is very important to buy safety gear for your dog, especially if you are to go out hunting. When out in the woods, your dog runs the risk of being mistaken for another wild animal, or he could inadvertently enter a hunter’s shot if he’s not clearly visible. That is why it is crucial to outfit your hunting dog with the right safety gear before going hunting.
You should consider buying a blaze orange vest, along with a reflective collar (preferably, breakaway style), with proper identification; the orange color is usually more reflective even in the thickest of woods.
Such an outfit increases visibility and reduces the chances of accidents. You should also consider buying a hunting backpack, which can be used to carry other hunting essentials.
3. First Aid kit
You should consider making and carrying a first aid kit. Carrying with you some basic 1st aid tools for your hunting dog will help you treat and even prevent injuries when out in the field. Put together a kit that contains the medical supplies you and your dog might need when out hunting.
4. Keep your hunting dog on a leash
Keeping your hunting dog close by is done best with a leash. There are many dogs that are scared of sudden loud bangs like gunshots, therefore a dog leash helps prevent the dogs from bolting in case they’re startled. A dog leash will also keep your dog under control, and stop him from chasing after wildlife.
Today, many areas do have bounties on wolves and coyotes and allow them to get shot on sight. Other areas have laws that allow dogs to get shot if they’re harassing the game animals.
If you love your dog, you should leash him. However, if you do not like leashing, you should consider using the trekking belt.
5. Proper diet
Make sure you give your hunting dog the right diet. Your dog requires a nutritious diet that can provide him with lots of energy. This means that all of his food should be rich in calories which he can use/burn to stay active and warm, when out in the woods/field. Also, try and feed your hunting dog nutrient-dense dog food so as to maximize his overall dietary intake.
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in Chandigarh, India. 
