I have two pointers that I use for hunting, but with the temperatures we're getting now in August, I'm worried about them. I was wondering if there are any special precautions to keep them in shape and cool during the hot months before hunting season.
Your pointers are used to intense work, right? Then I totally understand your concern!
With summer heat, the most important thing is managing your activity schedule. Absolutely avoid the hottest hours of the day - get out at dawn and dusk when temperatures are much milder. During the day keep them sheltered, preferably in a shaded and well-ventilated space, and make sure they always have access to fresh water. Don't let them drink all at once, but small amounts more frequently, otherwise they risk digestive problems. Provide pools or tubs where they can get in on their own to cool off - pointers love water and it helps them a lot.
To keep them in shape without stressing them with heat, reduce training intensity but stay consistent! Short sessions early in the morning are perfect, maybe in areas with pools or streams where they can get wet. Avoid maximum effort in August; focus on building endurance gradually during cooler times. Watch their behavior - if they're panting excessively, if they become lethargic or stop eating, those are signs they're suffering from the heat. In those cases cut back activity even more and consider seeing a vet. Come September when temperatures drop you'll be able to get back to more intense programs without any issues!
Don't make the mistake of drastically cutting back exercise just because of the heat - pointers need movement even in summer, otherwise they lose muscle tone right when you should be starting their season prep. What really works is shifting training to early morning or evening when temperatures drop, maybe near water where they can cool off too. Always have plenty of fresh water available (not ice-cold all at once), take frequent breaks in the shade, and if you can, keep them in spaces with air circulation - they handle dry heat better than humidity.
Between August and the start of season you still have time to get them working gradually without stressing them out. Consistency matters more than intensity during these months.
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