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Ask a Vet
Training and fieldwork creates a special kind of bond between a dog and its owner. But our four-legged friends often find themselves in situations where they need your help. Our new Ask A Vet series delivers advice directly from a professional, working veterinarian. Have a question about your dog? Shoot an email to themeateater@themeateater.com and we’ll dig into the concern.
Training and fieldwork creates a special kind of bond between a dog and its owner. But our four-legged friends often find themselves in situations where they need your help. Our new Ask A Vet series delivers advice directly from a professional, working veterinarian. Have a question about your dog? Shoot an email to themeateater@themeateater.com and we’ll dig into the concern.
Hunting with Dogs
What Vaccines Does My Dog Really Need?
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the veterinary profession in ways none of us predicted. Not only were pet owners forced to comply with the awkwardness of curb-side medicine, but the shelter-in-place mandates detonated an explosion of pent-up demand for new puppies. Now don’t get me wrong—having a...
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Waterfowl
Ask a Vet: Should I Stud My Dog?
The choice to engage in breeding—whether you’re supplying the semen or raising the litter—should be considered with a critical eye and backed by a solid plan. After a healthy dose of self-reflection, I encourage owners to decide whether their desire to breed stems from one of the following common...
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Waterfowl
Ask a Vet: What Should I Look for in a Puppy?
Picking a puppy from a litter should be an exciting experience, but in the moment it’s easy to get blinded by the collective cuteness of a pile of baby bird dogs. Speaking from personal experience as a self-diagnosed sucker for puppies, you have to maintain a level head and a critical eye when...
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Featured Gear
Upland Birds
Ask a Vet: Do Pregnancy X-Rays Affect Unborn Puppies?
As a vet that works with a large number of breeders, I’m often asked about the safety of pregnancy x-rays (radiographs) and what risks are associated with subjecting undeveloped and rapidly growing fetuses to radiation. These are valid questions, and I’m happy to offer up my expertise when a breeder...
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: When Should You Euthanize a Dog?
If there’s any fault in our love of bird dogs and the strong bond we build with them through training and hunting, it’s that they just don’t live long enough. I’ve experienced the loss of a hunting dog from both sides of the examination room, and the recurrent theme, regardless of how many years you...
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: What Should You Feed Your Bird Dog?
Much like religion and politics, canine nutrition is one of those topics where people join the discussion with a well-established set of opinions, but generally aren’t open to hearing what others have to say. The internet is awash in misinformation concerning dog food.
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: Cold Weather Bird Dog Concerns
This article primarily focuses on two dangerous scenarios, hypothermia and frostbite, and tips for preventing them. We’ll round out our discussion of winter weather concerns with an overview of “cold tail,” one of those odd ailments we occasionally see in bird dogs later in the hunting season.
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: Labrador Retriever Medical Concerns
The Labrador reigns as one of the most popular breeds in the field, blind, and living room for good reason. They’re biddable, handsome, and hard-working, with big hearts, bigger appetites, and a generous off-switch that makes them a joy to keep around the house. If you’re in the market for one—and...
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: Should I Spay or Neuter My Bird Dog?
Discussion of when or whether to spay or neuter a bird dog comes up often with clients, usually during a pup’s first vet visit. Amid comments about sharp deciduous teeth, crate training, and our shared love of puppy breath, these new owners inevitably lean on my expertise to help make sense of the...
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Upland Birds
Ask A Vet: Bird Dog Field Care
I admit that I love a good (preferably free) hack that will keep me from opening my wallet and shelling out cash to a professional, especially when it’s something I can handle myself. If you’re too far from a vet or determined to deal with it, at least arm yourself with these few field injury tips...
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Upland Birds
Do Rattlesnake Vaccines Work?
Should the vaccine be part of your hunting companion’s immunization schedule? The answer you receive depends on which veterinarian you ask. The published research as to its efficiency remains murky at best, with most vets basing their recommendations on their own anecdotal experience due to the lack...
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