It’s not uncommon for bird dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears. Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection. Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.

Symptoms of Otitis
Not only are ear infections painful, in extreme cases they may actually lead to your dog becoming deaf. There are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for – some are basic behaviors of dogs that have ear infections while others are clinical symptoms. You should be aware if:

Your dog has any discharge from their ears which is heavily colored
Your dogs; ears begin to emit a strong, foul odor
Your dog begins to scratch his ears or shake his head excessively

These early signs can get worse and becoming a serious infection. Once the infection begins to creep deeper into your dog’s ear, it will get into the inner ear and begin affecting your dog’s ability to keep his balance and to hear:

Disorientation
Falling down or an awkward “drunken” gate
Loss of hearing
Unusual eye movements or “crazy eye”

As soon as you’ve noticed something wrong, take your dog to a veterinarian. The faster you treat the infection, the easier it will be to care for it and the less it will cost you in money and your dog in pain.

Your veterinarian can find the problem by utilizing a special scope to observe the infection, and sometimes, a cotton swab may be use to get a sample. Ear mites and other diseases can have the same symptoms of otitis, so they must be ruled out before treatment can begin.

Treating Ostitis
Usually the infection is treated with a medication. Sometimes it’s as simple as hydrogen peroxide poured into the ear regularly or it will involve a prescription medication for more serious infections. Sometimes antibiotics are also prescribed to lessen the other affects of the infection. A thorough ear cleaning will be done at the vet’s office and then your regular treatments with medication will be done at home.

The treatment for most ear infections will mean that you’ll have to place the medication in your dogs’ ear and that is most likely going to mean that you’re going to need a second set of hands. The dog isn’t going to be particularly happy with any treatment, but it’s critical that the treatment be completed per your veterinarians’ instructions. Don’t forget to talk soothingly to your dog during treatments, it will help him relax.

Watch your dog carefully. Even after the infection is “cured,” it can come back again and dogs never become immune to it. Remember: the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to take care of it.

Keep in mind that not only is health issues important with your hunting dog, but the type of hunting dog supplies you get from your dogs are just as important. Make sure to do your research and take your time when you decide to purchase something such as a dog training collar.

We all understand the importance of carrying a first aid kit when we’re hunting to protect ourselves from possible injury. But, don’t overlook a first aid kit for your hunting dog while you’re preparing your own! It’s better to be prepared for a possible problem and be able to deal with a minor injury than wait until you get back home and discover you have a real problem.

Your dog is depending on you to care for him at home and out on the field. After all, this is your responsibility. In the event that your dog becomes hurt, will you be prepared to treat his wound with sanitary medical dressing? That’s the difference between being prepared and using an old shirt or rag, which can actually lead to deadly infections and make the injuries worse. It’s worth the couple extra dollars to have a first aid kit for dogs on hand.

Here is what to look for in a good bird dogs first aid kit:

A First Aid Guide
This guide should cover the basics of first aid for dogs. It should show how to bandage wounds, do mouth-to-snout resuscitation, and use the other items contained in the first aid kit to help your dog. This is for emergencies and doesn’t replace normal veterinary care, of course. Read the guide before you go out so you are familiar with the information in it and will either know it or be better able to find it quickly.

Don’t Forget The Tweezers
Small and often forgotten, these little pincers are a Godsend when you have slivers to remove. Just like in humans, a splinter that enters a dog’s foot pad or another part of the body can bury itself in the skin and work its way deeper, eventually becoming an abscess. This abscess will become infected and could spread its infection throughout the body.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Easy and cheap, this liquid is a must-have in any decent first pad kit. Because they are good for sterilizing, it’s a good idea to use them on your dog as a prep. It won’t cause any discomfort or pain. If it comes as liquid versus a sterile pad, make sure to use a sterile gauze pad to properly clean the affected area, before and after treatment.

Iodine
A small bottle of iodine is the next step up from peroxide and can be used to more thoroughly clean a wound or cut before bandaging. Even better is to use the peroxide and then the iodine on the wound before bandaging. Iodine can make a wound heal much faster.

Antibiotic Ointment
These are off-the-shelf ointments that can be used to help with bee or wasp stings, abrasions, or other small injuries.

Eyewash
Like their adult companions, dogs often get things in their eyes that no amount of trying will dislodge. You can find a simple saline solution that can be safely used to wash out your dogs’ eyes and in some cases, even prevent issues with their vision. Just spray some into the dogs’ eye and as a rule of thumb the rest will take care of itself.

Trauma Pad
A trauma pad is crucial if your dog is seriously injured; it will help minimize bleeding and help keep the wound bound as well as providing assistance in transporting your dog to emergency help. When shopping for a trauma pad watch out that the sizing is correct for your dogs needs.

Gauze, Tape, and Scissors
Simple, basic, and self-explanatory, these tools are indispensable for your dog’s injuries. It’s useful for cuts and scratches. To properly treat these minor injuries, bandage and gauze the area, then tape it to protect the area from further damage.

A dog first aid kit can really make your hunting trip a good time. Lack of one can make it traumatic. Be sure you have a good kit with lots of hunting dog supplies and that you carry it with you at all times while in the field. It’s not a bad idea to have it easily accessible at home too.