Sporting dogs don’t come with an owner’s manual or a troubleshooting guide, but expert advice and “do or don’t” principles can provide a solid foundation to help your dog live a long, healthy, happy life.
“Good advice stands the test of time,” said Karl Gunzer, Director of Purina’s Sporting Dog Group. “Learning from mistakes we’ve all made and following common sense ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ can help set you and your dog up for success.”
One of Karl’s favorites?
“Don’t let your dog get fat,” he said. “The 14-year Purina Lifespan Study proves that dogs fed to ideal body condition live longer and can perform better! Watch those calories, avoid feeding table scraps, and keep your sporting dog active with plenty of exercise during the off-season.”
Dr. Seth Bynum, DVM, who recently joined Nestlé Purina PetCare as Veterinary Communications Manager, recommends feeding a high-protein, high-fat diet – like Purina® Pro Plan® 30/20 Sport – year-round.
“Don’t skimp on quality,” Dr. Bynum said. “Do your research, feed the best food and feed it year-round. If your dog is less active in the off-season, just feed less of the performance diet.”
Dr. Jennell Appel, DVM and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, emphasizes the importance of a proper dog conditioning program.
“Do take time to condition your sporting dog,” Dr. Appel said. “A well-conditioned dog at ideal body weight is simply less likely to suffer injuries. A conditioned dog has greater stamina and can better negotiate the stopping, starting and tight turns needed in training, trialing and hunting situations.”
A favorite “don’t” from Dr. Appel?
“Don’t let your dog jump down from a pickup or RTV,” she said. “I see it all the time. Very hard on the joints, tendons, ligaments – everything. Use a ramp or teach the dog to sit until you can lift it to the ground.”
A “do” from Dr. Appel?
“Always Do a proper warm-up with your dog before exercise,” Dr. Appel said. “A fast-paced, 5- to 10-minute walk on lead helps to improve flexibility and bring blood flow consistently to all the soft tissues as well as extremities.”
Cooling down after the hunt or training session is also important. “Do a slow walk on a leash to help dissipate waste products in the body. This gradual decrease in cardiac output helps prevent the blood from pooling in the muscles and can reduce soreness.”
Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Nutrition and a recent Nestlé Purina PetCare retiree, spent decades studying and working with elite canine athletes in Alaska. Dr. Reynolds is also a world-champion sled dog sprint racer and a hunter.
“Take time to Do a tailgate check on your dog after every hunt or bout of exercise,” Dr. Reynolds said. “Go over every inch from nose to tip of the tail, checking for burrs, seeds, cuts or abrasions and also tenderness or muscle soreness. Pay special attention to the eyes, ears and feet.”
Without further ado, here are more Do’s and Don’ts from the experts:
Nutrition and Feeding
- Do store your dog food in a cool, dry area. Use a bin or container with a lid and be sure to clean the bin regularly to prevent mold or contamination.
- Do keep the empty dog food bag, which contains the Best-If-Used-By date and manufacturing code, as well as how to contact the company with any questions or comments.
- Don’t feed your canine athlete before exercise. If you need to feed a small amount to maintain body condition, wait a minimum of two hours after feeding before exercise.
- Do allow your dog to cool down after exercise and before feeding at the end of the day.
- Do add water to effectively “float” the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble at feeding time. Water helps move the food through the stomach and also aids in hydration.
- Don’t “free feed” your dog. Feed a measured amount daily to monitor consumption and prevent overfeeding. Adjust accordingly to maintain ideal body condition.
- Do consider using Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements like FortiFlora®, Joint Care and Calming Care. FortiFlora is the #1 veterinary recommended probiotic brand to support digestive health and is formulated for the dietary management of diarrhea; Purina Pro Plan Joint Care is a daily supplement that supports mobility and is formulated to maintain healthy cartilage and joints; Purina Pro Plan Calming Care is a probiotic supplement that helps support dogs with anxious behaviors and external stressors.
Preventive Maintenance
- Do schedule a veterinary appointment for your hunting dog at least a month before the hunting season starts. A thorough exam in advance of the season allows time to address any issues that may be detected and establishes a baseline for a recheck at the end of the season.
- Don’t leave home without a robust canine first aid kit and be sure to carry basic items with you in the field. Do examine the kit at least annually and replenish any used or expired items as needed.
- Do make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and meds, including heartworm and flea and tick preventives.
- Don’t allow your dog to ride loose in the back of a truck or RTV. Do use a crate that’s securely strapped down for safety.
- Don’t put a hot and panting dog in a kennel or unventilated space. Do allow the dog to cool down after exercise and take advantage of shade and cooling fans or proper air flow to prevent overheating.
- Don’t put a dog away wet in hot or cold conditions. Do carry a towel or chamois to dry your dog and help keep skin and coat healthy.
- Do pay special attention to nutritional, care and comfort needs of senior dogs and puppies.
