Q: Is water important to the diet of a sporting breed?

A: Water is even more important to the big-running bird dog, all-age retriever or field trial Beagle than most owners or trainers think, because much more water is lost during a hunt or event than is commonly thought. In a study done by The Iams Company scientists in the early '90s during the Copper Basin Sled Dog Race, sled dogs required about 2 ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. Of course, the sled dogs were working all day at a speed of more than 4 miles per hour! From these figures, an estimate of 1 quart of water being lost by a bird dog during a 3-hour stake seems accurate. Retrievers probably should lose a similar amount during a multiple land series.

The temperature in the Copper Basin was well below zero, suggesting that dogs need water on a cold day just as much as they do on hot days. Water loss comes from breathing, urinating and salivating, and some water is even lost in the stool each day. This water loss, coupled with heat from exertion, can be stressful on the athletic bird dog.

The best solution is to have clean, fresh water available at all times and to offer small amounts soon after completion of the event.