Productive first day but the dog got hurt.

[Powerstroke]

I typically take off a few weekdays during the fall to get some more hunting in. My weekends are usually planned well in advance for hunting or family functions. Fortunately my job is flexible enough to allow it.

I took my 3 yr old springer out for the first time this year and we headed up north for some grouse action. We headed to a large WMA that I've had luck with in the past. Our only flush in 4 hrs of walking was a fat woodcock and somehow I missed him as he flew away. I don't mind missing the first shot of the year, but it still stung a little.

CHanged location and checked out somewhere new. I spent about an hour walking some less than stellar habitat and saw nothing. On the way out I watched a grouse fly over the road and perch in a tree on public land. SO, I pulled over, loaded up, walked in and fired. One beautiful red-colored grouse in the bag and I was heading home.

Unfortunately when I got home I noticed the dog was limping. I thought maybe it was a cramp or soreness from our first hunt of the year, but I quickly discovered a large cut on the inside of his thigh. I could see the muscle through the tear. So, off to the vet.

My springer Riley ended up with 8 stitches and some antibiotics. The vet also did a treatment of frontline while we were there since RIley was crawling with deer ticks. I can't even count how many we pulled off. He was due for a treatment anyway and with all the ticks.....

Riley's not allowed to run for 2 weeks. I'm not sure how you keep a springer, or any hunting dog for that matter, from running for two weeks, but we'll have to make due.

[MuleShack]

Its nice to get away mid week to avoid the weekend crowds. glad to hear you got one anyway, but hey the weather was great.

Sorry to hear about Riley, hope he heals quick.

A friend has a GSP that had ACL surgery a few weeks ago and it is a chore to keep the dog off its feet. Good luck.

[Acemac]

brings up a good topic.

What do you guys carry in a dog first aid kit?

or what things do you wish you would have had with you looking back at experiences you may have had.

[CJH]

No good. Hopefully he heals up fast and you still have a good season.

We need a freeze to get rid of all those dang ticks as well!!

[2thepointsetters]

Riley's not allowed to run for 2 weeks. I'm not sure how you keep a springer, or any hunting dog for that matter, from running for two weeks, but we'll have to make due.

Keep him in a crate. I had to keep my setter off his leg for 6 weeks during hunting season. Its hard to do but you dont want to make the injury worse.

[Powerstroke]

He's doing pretty well. I can't keep him crated all day cause I need to make sur ehe's not licking his wound too much. Otherwise he's getting a cone!

After telling him NO a few times he seems to get the drill.

[Jack Peterson]

i know you took your dog to the vet, but when my dog was hit by a car, he had a big gash in his right rear leg. we couldn't afford to take him in, so we let him handle his problems. after a week of laying in the garage, and licking his wound, it was healed up like new! dog's saliva sure is good for healing their cuts.