Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: Camo on May 03, 2014, 11:20:07 AM

Title: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: Camo on May 03, 2014, 11:20:07 AM: I've been taking my 10 MO GWP over the hill walleye fishing the last few weeks. She travels well once she calms down from the initial excitement, harnessed into the back seat of the truck. Gaining elevation to go over the passes, even as slight as Ryegrass and Elk Heights, she gets very uncomfortable, tenses up and starts shaking until dropping back down in elevation. Took her to the vet after the first time thinking she might have an ear infection. Negative. Wouldn't matter as elevation change effects inner ear only. Anybody have any experience? Thanks.
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: scottr on May 03, 2014, 11:07:54 PM: Try having her travel in her crate. She may getting a little car sick.
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: shootem on May 04, 2014, 12:23:49 AM: It likely is a puppy thing but could be a heart or lung problem. Increasing elevation decreases oxygen availability. Have your vet take another look and listen to her heart and lungs.
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: Happy Gilmore on May 04, 2014, 08:06:14 AM: never have heard of such a thing. I can't imagine such low altitudes like Snoqualmie and Ryegrass having any physical effects. Maybe the pups ears are popping like mine do?
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: runamuk on May 04, 2014, 08:44:56 AM: Quote from: Happy Gilmore on May 04, 2014, 08:06:14 AM
never have heard of such a thing. I can't imagine such low altitudes like Snoqualmie and Ryegrass having any physical effects. Maybe the pups ears are popping like mine do?
We had one dog who was like this and near as our vet could figure that is exactly what it was popping ears and the dog didnt get it so he acted kinda spooked every trip over the pass went on for most of his life.
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: ICEMAN on May 04, 2014, 08:58:10 AM: We always kept our dogs chewing and snacking as they pressurized and de-pressurized on those trips... Works for me...
Title: Re: Issues with dogs crossing passes?
Post by: Camo on May 07, 2014, 08:08:46 AM: Thanks for the thoughts. Vet checked the heart and lungs as routine. Thought it could be that the inner ear tube was not fully developed yet in relation to jaw. Probably just what your all mentioning with popping ears. She just seems to yawn often enough that I wouldn't think that would be enough to cause as much stress as it appears to.
Ice- I will try your suggestion. She loses interest in her bone when she gets stressed under these circumstances.