Some of these hunting dogs have so much drive that they would literally run themselves to death if given the chance to do so. For a few minutes today I had thought my setter had done just that.

Heat obviously wasn't an issue today. Overheating isn't the only ailment though that they are susceptible to. Low blood sugar can be just as dangerous. Maybe even more so.

I have seen personally two dogs (not mine but friend's dogs) that have become hypoglycemic and seized. The seizures couldn't be stopped and both dogs died.

We had hiked all the way to the top of a very steep and rugged canyon. A portion of it we had to go through some pretty deep snow. We were working pretty hard making our way up the hill.

Towards the top I had noticed my setter was still hunting but had really slowed down. I figured he had just worn himself out. It wasn't until he came back to me and started whining that I realized he was in trouble.

He was whimpering and barely able to stand. His legs were jelly and shaking uncontrollably. He fell to the ground and his eyes seemed glazed. He was delirious and confused.

I carry treats for him and immediately gave him some dog bones. I then gave him a chocolate chip granola bar. Chocolate isn't good for dogs but neither is dying from low blood sugar. Lastly, I took a bird I had shot earlier and cleaned it right then and there and fed him the raw breast meat.

Within just a couple minutes he snapped out of it and after about a ten minute rest he was up and running again like nothing had happened.

For a brief minute I was worried he was a goner. There was no way I could have done anything for him if he had started to have seizures. We were too far back in the mountains to have a realistic chance to get to a vet in time to make a difference.

I am glad I had the treats that I did and glad that it happened in a place I could see him. The other two dogs that I mentioned had it happen in their dog boxes on the way home.