Hunting Dog Articles
Have a vet to add to the list of trusted sporting dog veterinarians? We’d love your recommendation. Crowdsourcing and sharing your feedback is the only way this project works. Help us promote those vets who have the mindset and skillset our community needs for our canine athletes.
Rethinking Metronidazole: Why Vets Are Moving Away from an Old Standby in Treating Diarrhea in Sporting Dogs
Despite its track record of clearing up diarrhea rapidly, in recent years many veterinarians have been re-examining metronidazole. What we’ve learned has pushed it further down the list of treatments.
No more excuses: Hearing loss has never been easier to prevent
It’s ‘bout time we start treating our ears with the same care and respect that we give to our dogs, and fortunately hearing protection has never been easier to achieve than today.
Vet Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Barton
An avid waterfowl hunter and lover of retrieving breeds, Dr. Barton was one of our very first verified veterinarians and a big supporter of the Hunt.Vet mission to connect the sporting dog community with doctors who understand the unique needs of canine athletes.
First Aid Kit Essentials with Dr. Clair Maples
Dr. Maples breaks down what makes her field-ready first aid kits different from the rest. Instead of cramming a bag full of rarely used items, she focused on essentials—tools and supplies a hunter could realistically deploy when minutes matter.
Acupuncture for Sporting Dogs: Another Option in Your Tool Kit
As Dr. Lobos summarized, it’s not about replacing traditional care — it’s about expanding the toolkit. And for those of us who depend on our dogs in the field, every tool that helps them stay healthy, mobile, and eager to hunt is worth exploring.
GEAR REVIEW: The Homestead Dog Bed by Gunner Kennels
As an advocate of the brand as well as a long-time customer, I was eager to try the Homestead Dog Bed from Gunner Kennels. The Nashville-based company touts the orthopedic comfort, clean-ability, and solid construction, but can they deliver where countless other big brands have failed?
Science-Backed Strategies for Cooling Dogs from Dr. Cindy Otto
The heat of the early season hunting can challenge even the fittest sporting dogs. High temperatures, humidity, and the relentless drive of these canine athletes create a perfect storm for heat-related injury.
When is the best time to spay or neuter your hunting dog?
As a veterinarian and avid bird hunter, one of the most common questions I receive from sporting dog owners revolves around the decision to spay or neuter their dogs. For many reasons that I’ll lay out in this article, it’s a decision not to be taken lightly nor one that’s easy to navigate.
How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your hunting dog?
One of the hardest parts of welcoming hunting dogs into our hearts and lives is the lamentably short time we share with them. No matter how many years you spend together, irrespective of the volumes of memories forged in the field or blind, it’s a universally shared sentiment that you’ve been robbed of time when they’ve reached the end of the road.
7 proven tips to help you pull off an epic bird hunting road trip
Few outdoor pursuits fuel the desire for a road trip more than bird hunting. With an incredible diversity of species and habitat, there’s hardly a better way to sample all the wingshooting options this country offers than loading up the dogs and hitting the open road.
How to handle a porcupine encounter with your hunting dog
Most porcupine encounters can be managed with a bit of common sense and some basic tools. However, there are times when it’s much safer, more effective, and less stressful to seek help from a veterinarian. Knowing when to channel your DIY tendencies and when to tap out and seek a professional can make a difference in the outcome of a porcupine encounter.
How to save money at the vet
Anyone who has spent enough time with hunting dogs knows they share one undeniable trait: They’re expensive. If you haven't yet felt the financial strain of managing your hunting dog’s health, it's only a matter of time before you do. From gear and performance food to GPS collars and emergency vet visits, there are countless ways to spend your hard-earned money on your hunting dog. And that list doesn't even include gear, shells, gas, or hunting licenses.