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.

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?

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.

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. 

The Wingman Pro B2 from Pyke Gear ($309.95) looks to fill a niche for hunters looking for a durable, lightweight vest that maintains a svelte profile while providing enough room to comfortably tote a limit of roosters and some bonus quail. 

If you’re a hunter or recreational shooter and not actively considering hearing protection, it’s time to step it up. We’re a quarter of the way through the 21st century, folks, and hearing loss from gunfire is not only preventable, it’s trending towards uncool.

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. 

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.

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. 

For some, the idea of having their male hunting dog sire a litter seems like a good way to preserve that emotional bond and carry it into the future. For others, it’s a well-meaning but misguided attempt to create a carbon copy of their cherished companion.

While I have no regrets about the pups I’ve welcomed into my home over the years, I’ve seen many unfortunate situations in my career where new sporting dog owners didn’t do their homework. You owe it to yourself—and to your future dog—to learn from a few of these mistakes.

As a veterinarian focused on canine reproduction, I’ve found that many clients don’t fully understand the freezing process or lack realistic expectations for pregnancy success when breeding to frozen semen. Often, breeders are unaware of the costs, effort, and outcomes associated with this approach.