Summer Kennel Tips for Hunting Hounds

Summer Kennel Tips for Hunting Hounds

Southern summers are tough on hounds. High heat and humidity can wear a dog down fast, so a little extra kennel care goes a long way. Here's how to keep your dogs healthy until hunting season rolls back around.

Keep Fresh Water Available

Clean, cool water should always be in front of your dogs. Check buckets several times a day, keep them in the shade, and refill often when temperatures climb.

Make Sure They Have Shade

Every kennel needs reliable shade during the hottest part of the day. Shade cloth, roofing, or trees all help, but make sure your hounds can stay out of direct sun.

Keep Air Moving

Good airflow helps beat the heat. Open kennels with plenty of ventilation stay cooler and reduce heat buildup.

Watch for Heat Stress

Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or lethargy are warning signs. Move overheated dogs to the shade, offer cool water, and call your veterinarian if needed.

Feed During Cooler Hours

Feed early in the morning or after sunset. Don't leave feed sitting in the heat, and keep bowls clean.

Help Them Stay Cool

Raised beds, cooling mats, frozen treats, and kennel misters can all help during extreme heat.

Keep Kennels Clean

Replace wet bedding, wash water buckets often, and keep pens clean to reduce bacteria and flies.

Don't Overwork Your Dogs

Run or train hounds early in the morning or late in the evening. Midday heat isn't worth the risk.

Stay Ahead of Problems

A preseason vet check can catch small issues before they become big ones.

Final Thoughts

Your hounds count on you year-round—not just during hunting season. Fresh water, shade, airflow, and a clean kennel are the keys to getting them through another Southern summer in good shape. Protect what we love.