Cache.Deals

How to Give Your Hunting Dog a Tailgate Exam | Scott Linden

MidwayUSA
Published on July 23, 2024
Category: Hunting & Outdoors
Duration: 6:48

This guide details a comprehensive 'tailgate exam' for hunting dogs, crucial for identifying injuries and foreign objects like cheatgrass seeds after training or hunting. The process involves a thorough head-to-tail inspection, focusing on feet, ears, eyes, and mouth, with emphasis on gentle handling and allowing the dog to see the examination. Regular checks help prevent serious health issues and ensure the dog's readiness for future activities.

Tags

Hunting Dog Care
Tailgate Exam
Dog Health
Cheatgrass
Noxious Weeds
Tick Removal
Foot Inspection
Ear Cleaning
Eye Examination
Dog Training
Field Care
Hunting Preparation

Quick Summary

A tailgate exam for hunting dogs is a crucial post-activity check to identify injuries, ticks, and embedded seeds like cheatgrass. It involves a head-to-tail inspection, with particular attention to feet, ears, eyes, and mouth, ensuring the dog's health and readiness for future hunts or training.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Why a Tailgate Exam is Crucial
  2. 00:41Identifying Cheatgrass and 'Bad Seeds'
  3. 01:33Head-to-Tail Inspection Technique
  4. 01:46Checking for Ticks and Skin Issues
  5. 02:21Thorough Foot Examination
  6. 02:47Checking Between Toes for Debris
  7. 03:08Examining Paw Pads and Edges
  8. 03:34Face and Ear Inspection
  9. 03:56Seed Removal from Ears
  10. 04:16Eye Examination Procedure
  11. 04:41Removing Eye Debris
  12. 05:01Nose and Mouth Check
  13. 05:11Oral Cavity Inspection
  14. 05:44Post-Exam Care and Rest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tailgate exam for a hunting dog?

A tailgate exam is a routine physical check performed on a hunting dog, typically after training or hunting activities. It involves a head-to-tail inspection to identify any injuries, cuts, scratches, ticks, or embedded foreign objects like cheatgrass seeds that could harm the dog.

Why is checking for cheatgrass important for hunting dogs?

Cheatgrass seeds, also called 'bad seeds,' have awn-like structures that can penetrate a dog's skin and travel internally. If they reach vital organs, these seeds can cause severe injury, lameness, or even be fatal to the dog.

How should I check my dog's feet during a tailgate exam?

Thoroughly inspect each foot, checking between the toes, pads, and along the edges. Gently lift the paw and allow the dog to see the process. Pay close attention to where the toenail meets the toe, as this is a common spot for seeds to lodge.

What should I do if I find something in my dog's ear during an exam?

If seeds or debris are easily removable with your fingers, you can pull them out gently. However, if removal requires tools or the object is deeply embedded, it's best to consult a veterinarian to avoid causing further injury to the ear canal.

How can I make eye exams less stressful for my dog?

To examine your dog's eyes, move them into the shade or block the sun. Slowly and gently open the upper and lower eyelids. With practice, dogs can become desensitized to this process, making it easier for both of you.

Related Articles

All Articles →
The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions
Explainer20 min read

The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide
Gear Deep Dive18 min read

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide

More Hunting & Outdoors Videos You Might Like

What's in my Hunting Dog Care Kits | Scott Linden
What's in my Hunting Dog Care Kits | Scott Linden

Scott Linden, an experienced outdoorsman and author, shares the essential supplies he carries in his hunting dog care kits. The video emphasizes the importance of being prepared to keep your hunting companion safe and ready for the field, covering emergency care and general well-being. Linden, known for his extensive experience in bird hunting and dog training, provides practical recommendations based on his quarter-century in the upland genre. The video is presented in conjunction with MidwayUSA.

Hunting Dog Care
Scott Linden
Channel:MidwayUSA
Category:Hunting & Outdoors
Date: Mar 6, 2023
Duration: 7:15

More from MidwayUSA

View all →
Switching to your pistol is faster than reloading | @theleveractionkid
Switching to your pistol is faster than reloading | @theleveractionkid

This guide details a high-speed Cowboy Action Shooting stage, demonstrating expert transitions between a lever-action rifle, dual single-action revolvers, and a side-by-side shotgun. It highlights efficient manual shotgun reloading techniques from a belt carrier, showcasing advanced proficiency in competitive shooting disciplines. The video emphasizes speed and accuracy across multiple firearm types.

Cowboy Action Shooting
Lever-Action Rifle
Channel:MidwayUSA
Category:Range & Competition
Date: May 19, 2023
Duration: 0:19
Mosin PU Sniper 4K | @JaegerZ999
Mosin PU Sniper 4K | @JaegerZ999

This video provides an expert-level demonstration of the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU Sniper rifle. It covers visual inspection, the proper loading procedure for 7.62x54R ammunition, and live fire at an outdoor range, showcasing bolt manipulation and recoil control. The demonstration is presented in a silent, ASMR-style format by an authoritative demonstrator.

Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU Sniper
7.62x54R
Channel:MidwayUSA
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Mar 8, 2024
Duration: 0:28
Gunsmithing - How to Rebore a Rifle Barrel Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA
Gunsmithing - How to Rebore a Rifle Barrel Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA

This guide details the complex process of reboring a Winchester 1885 Low Wall rifle from .32 Rimfire to .357 Magnum, addressing a pitted bore. Expert gunsmith Larry Potterfield demonstrates disassembly, barrel removal, specialized reboring at Delta Gun Shop, chambering, crowning, action conversion, and final marking/finishing. The process highlights advanced machining techniques and specialized tools required for such a conversion.

Winchester 1885 Low Wall
Reboring
Channel:MidwayUSA
Category:Gunsmithing & DIY
Date: Nov 29, 2013
Duration: 5:24
How a Winchester Model 12 Works - Cycle of Operation | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing
How a Winchester Model 12 Works - Cycle of Operation | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

This guide details the cycle of operation for the Winchester Model 12 shotgun, as explained by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA using a cutaway model. It covers loading, safety engagement, firing, extraction, and chambering. The explanation highlights the hammerless pump-action design and internal component interactions, offering valuable insights for gunsmithing and understanding firearm mechanics.

Winchester Model 12
Pump-Action Shotgun
Channel:MidwayUSA
Category:Gunsmithing & DIY
Date: Nov 5, 2012
Duration: 1:31
Find an FFL
Licensed dealers in your area