Hunting season in New Brunswick means more dogs spending long days in the woods, more foot traffic in rural and forested areas, and a unique set of risks that don’t come up the rest of the year. Whether your dog is actively hunting alongside you or simply lives in an area with increased hunting activity, a little preparation goes a long way.
Common Hunting Season Injuries
Lacerations and Punctures
Brush, brambles, fencing, and rough terrain cause a significant share of injuries during the hunting season. Deep lacerations, especially on the chest and legs, are common and often more serious than they initially appear.
Paw Pad Injuries
Extended time on rough or frozen ground can cause cuts, abrasions, or torn pads. Check your dog’s paws at the end of every outing.
Exhaustion and Hypothermia
Hunting dogs often push through fatigue or cold due to drive and excitement, masking early warning signs. Cool, wet fall conditions combined with sustained activity in water (common for retrievers) can lead to hypothermia faster than owners expect.
Gunshot and Hunting Equipment Injuries
While uncommon, accidental gunshot injuries or wounds from hunting equipment do occur. Any wound of this nature is a true emergency requiring immediate transport to a vet, with direct pressure applied to control bleeding en route if possible.
Getting Lost
Dense forest, excitement, and following scent trails can lead hunting dogs to range further than expected. A lost dog during hunting season faces additional risk from hunting activity, traffic on rural roads, and exposure.
Preparing Before You Go
- Update microchip information and ensure your dog wears a collar with current contact information
- Use a blaze orange vest or collar to increase visibility to other hunters
- Pack a basic field first aid kit: gauze, vet wrap, a muzzle (even an injured calm dog may snap from pain), tweezers, and your vet’s contact information
- Know the location and hours of the nearest emergency vet to wherever you’re hunting — not just your home clinic
- Bring a GPS tracking collar if your dog ranges widely; cell coverage in much of rural New Brunswick is unreliable for app-based tracking alone
What to Do for Common Field Injuries
Bleeding Wounds
Apply firm, direct pressure with whatever clean material is available. Continue pressure for at least 5 minutes before checking. Significant or spurting bleeding requires immediate transport to a vet.
Suspected Hypothermia
Signs include excessive shivering, lethargy, and pale or grey gums. Wrap your dog in dry layers, end the outing, and warm them gradually — avoid direct heat sources like a vehicle heater on full blast, which can cause uneven warming.
A Dog That Won’t Stop Bleeding or Has a Suspected Fracture
Limit movement as much as possible, support the area without forcing it into a specific position, and transport to the nearest vet immediately.
Conclusion
Hunting season adds a layer of risk for dogs spending time in New Brunswick’s forests — but most of it is manageable with preparation. A basic field first aid kit, visibility gear, updated contact information, and knowing where the nearest emergency vet is located will let you focus on the outing instead of the what-ifs.