Worried about how to properly care for your dog while out on adventures? Below are great tips, tricks, & must knows for anyone hiking with dogs!
Hiker's guide to First-Aid for your dogs!
When we asked our followers in Instagram what they wanted to know about when hiking with dogs, one of our followers brought up a great question about pet firs-aid. So we are here to give you tips, how to's, what to look for, and gear you should always have in case you need to give your dog any immediate medical attention while hiking or traveling.
Step 1: Making your own kit!
Everyone should always have a first-aid kit on hand or within easy access for both humans and dogs. If you want to create your own kit a great way to start is to go based off of one for people and then add pet specific items to it.
Things you need for making your own kit
Most first aid-kits should already have:
Absorbant Gauze Pads
Adhesive Tape
Antiseptic Wipes, Lotion, Powder, or Spray
A Foil Emergency Blanket
Cotton Balls
Gauze Rolls
Hydrogen Peroxide (To induce vomiting if your dog swallows or eats something, give only when directed by veterinarian.)
Ice Pack
Non Latex Disposable Gloves
Rectal Thermometer (Your dog's temperature should never rise about 103 or fall below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Blunt End Scissors
Petroleum Jelly
Sterile Saline Solution
Tweezers
Make your first-aid kit dog ready by adding the following:
Pet First-Aid Book (You can find ones on Amazon.com or by talking to your Veterinarian.)
Phone numbers of your veterinarian and a list of emergency vets of the areas you plan to visit.
Paperwork on your dog. (Shot records, allergies, etc.)
A Nylon Leash
Self Cling Bandages (Available at pet stores, Target, Walgreens, Walmart)
Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting if necessary.
Benadryl (Give as directed by vet and make sure it has diphenhydramine in it.)
Ear cleaning solution for pets
Nail Clippers for Pets
Pet Friendly Eye Drops
Splints ot Tongue Depressors
Styptic Powder (Helps stop bleeding from broken nails, sold at vet or pet stores.)
Temporary I.D. Tags
Towels
Needle Nose Pliers
Don't want to make your own?
Here are some places to purchase a pet first-aid kit ready to go!
Amazon Alcott Dog Gear Kurgo Chewy LLBean
In addition to all that we listed to have with you make sure you talk with your vet about anything else your pet might need specifically in your kit. Check and replace any supplies on a regular basis.
Common things to watch out for when hiking!
Dehydration: Reduced energy, excessive panting, sunken/dry looking eyes, loss of skin elasticity, dry nose and gums. We recommend taking your dog to the vet if dehydrated. Your dog looses electrolytes not just water so they will need proper treatment to replenish what they have lost.
Damaged Paw Pads: Be aware of the surfaces your dog will be walking or running on. If it's too hot or cold for your feet then it is the same for them! Be prepared and have dog boots/shoes (available at pet stores or online).
Foxtails, Wildlife, Plants, and Fruits: Make sure to check your dog for foxtails after hiking on or near grass, be aware of bushes and plants that your dog may eat on the trail as some can be poisonous.
Dog CPR- Muzzle Safety
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