Each year, more than 200,000 hunters take advantage of Montana’s mountains, foothills, and plains to pursue various types of game, and you must prevent your dog from experiencing a potential injury. Our Billings Animal Family Hospital team knows you want your furry pal to stay safe and sound this hunting season, and we offer safety tips for pet pooches and hunting dogs. 

Hunting safety tips for pet dogs

Whether you live in a rural area or enjoy taking your dog on hikes, you should take precautions to keep your four-legged family member safe this hunting season. Help ensure your pooch avoids injury by following these tips:

  • Know when your local hunting seasons are scheduled — From antelopes, bighorn sheep, and bison, to elk, turkey, and black bear, Montana has several hunting seasons. Being aware of when hunters are active can help you keep your dog safe. 
  • Know where hunting is allowed — Many public parks and federal lands are accessible to hunters, and knowing where hunting is allowed in your area can help you avoid these spots when hiking with your dog. In addition, if you live in a rural area, find out if your neighbors will be hunting on their property, so you can steer clear of the property line during hunting season.
  • Keep your dog leashed — When on outings, keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from wandering. Many dogs are afraid of gunshots, and they may startle and bolt if a shot is fired. Keeping your four-legged friend on a leash helps ensure they stay by your side.
  • Microchip your dog — While keeping your dog on a leash is an important safety tactic, some dogs are excellent at escaping their collar. Ensure your furry pal is microchipped to increase their chances of being returned to you if they go missing.
  • Train your dog to not chase wildlife — Chasing is a natural canine behavior, but if your four-legged friend chases wildlife during hunting season, they can easily be injured. To curb your canine companion’s chasing behavior, follow these tips:
    • Encourage eye contact — Dogs focus intently on their prey, and you must first capture their attention. Train your furry pal to “watch me” by holding a treat between your eyes, and when your dog focuses on you, give them the treat.
    • Teach your dog to wait — Train your dog to the wait command, so they pause, focus on you, and wait for your command. A good way to initiate this training is by commanding them to wait before approaching their food bowl. 
  • Outfit your dog in an orange vest — When hunters see blaze orange, they know not to fire. Outfit your dog in an orange vest or bandana to alert hunters to their presence. When on outings, you should also wear orange or other bright colors to alert hunters of your presence.
  • Use well-traveled paths — When hiking, follow well-traveled paths, because hunters usually avoid such areas.
  • Avoid early morning and late evening outings — When walking your dog, avoid early mornings and late evenings when hunters often have more difficulty distinguishing what they are seeing. If you must be out in the dark, carry a flashlight and outfit your dog in a reflective collar or vest. 
  • Make yourself known — If you notice a hunter, ensure they are aware of your presence by calling out a greeting.
  • Don’t leave your dog outside — To prevent your pooch from running after wildlife or bolting from a gunshot, never leave your dog unattended outside.
  • Don’t let your dog eat carcasses — Carcass meat ingestion can sicken your dog, so avoid animal remains when on outings.

Safety tips for hunting dogs

Dogs make great hunting partners. If your dog accompanies you when you hunt, follow these safety tips:

  • Schedule a veterinary appointment — Schedule a wellness check with our Billings Animal Family Hospital team to ensure your dog is fit and ready for hunting season.
  • Ensure your dog’s tags are secure — In addition to having your dog microchipped, ensure they are wearing a well-fitted collar and identification tags that have your current contact information. Check that the tags are legible and securely attached to the collar.
  • Research the area — Research the hunting area to find the nearest emergency veterinarian and ensure you know their phone number in case your dog is injured.
  • Outfit your dog in a chest protector vest — Hunting dogs are more likely to sustain lacerations from barbed wire and dense brush, and outfitting them in an orange chest protector vest can help them avoid these injuries.
  • Provide year-round tick prevention — Hunting dogs have a high risk for tick infestation. To protect your canine companion from these parasites and the diseases they carry, provide them with year-round tick preventives. 
  • Pack water — Pack water and a portable water bowl so you can offer your dog fresh, clean water when they need a drink.
  • Travel safely — To prevent a potentially devastating accident, never allow your dog to ride in a pickup’s open bed.
  • Protect your dog from toxins — Wooded areas are full of substances that can harm your canine companion. Hunting dogs may be exposed to toxins such as:
    • Blue-green algae — Cyanobacteria in blue-green algae produce liver and neurotoxins that can result in death if your dog ingests them. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and collapse. Avoid stagnant ponds and puddles, and only allow your dog to drink water you provide.
    • Lead shot — If they ingest lead embedded in a carcass or if they are shot, your dog can experience lead toxicity. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and neurologic problems. Don’t allow your dog to eat meat from a carcass, and seek immediate veterinary care if they are shot.
    • Clay pigeons — Clay pigeons contain coal tar and heavy metals, including lead, zinc, copper, and nickel, that can cause toxicity if ingested. Prevent your dog from ingesting scattered clay pigeon pieces.
    • Mushrooms — Hunting dogs have a high risk of ingesting toxic mushrooms. Proper mushroom identification can be difficult, so keep your dog away from all mushrooms. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea or a seizure after mushroom ingestion, seek veterinary care.

Before heading out with your hunting dog, contact our Billings Animal Family Hospital team, so we can ensure they are in tip-top shape and ready for the season.