It’s a lovely spring day, perfect for a hike with your dog! You both eat a good breakfast, check the weather, choose a favorite trail not too far from home – and off you go!
Walking up the trail, in his zeal, energized with springtime friskiness, your pup’s ears perk up – a little chipmunk beckons, and off they both run. You call and call – when he returns, you notice he’s limping. Hmmmm. You investigate and find his left hind leg has a fresh cut on it. It’s not bleeding too badly, but it is swollen and now he won’t walk on it at all.
Well, luckily you’re only a mile from the car. You pick up all 50 pounds of your now not-so-frisky pup and trudge back to the parking lot.
Prepare for the unexpected
Hiking with your furry friend can be an amazing adventure. Whether you plan to take a lazy stroll through a nearby forest or spend days in the backcountry, it’s important to plan and prepare for your hike.
Animals can be unpredictable. Risks and hazards may await them on the trail – like cuts or scrapes, sprains, insect bites or ticks, and even heatstroke. Your pup’s best chance of surviving these emergencies is through your planning and preparation. But how should you prepare?
In this article, we’ll discuss the ten essential first aid items you and Spuds should never be without.
10 must-haves in your pet’s first-aid kit
Make or buy a first aid kit specifically for your dog. This kit should always remain in your pack. Periodically check the contents to be sure nothing is expired. At the very least, include:
- Dog-specific adhesive bandages or self-adhesive vet wrap
- Sterile saline solution for cleaning wounds or flushing eyes
- Antiseptic wipes or solution for cleaning wounds
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls for wound dressings
- Tweezers or a tick removal tool for removing ticks or splinters
- Blunt-tipped scissors for cutting bandages or removing tangled fur
- Digital rectal thermometer to monitor your dog’s temperature
- Styptic powder or QuikClot to stop bleeding
- Emergency contact numbers, including your vet’s contact information and local animal emergency clinics
- A sling, either store-bought or DIY, to carry an immobile doggo off the mountain if he can’t make it on his own
A few more things to think about
In addition to the first aid items, there are a few other things to keep in mind.
Consider packing
- A collapsible bowl and extra food and water
- A bandana – a great way to keep your doggo cool – wet it and tie it around his neck
- A pair of dog booties, just in case the pads on his feet get a little tender
- A muzzle – dogs may bite when injured and scared – this keeps you and your dog safe
Before your first hike of the season,
- Make an appointment with the veterinarian to make sure your four-legged bestie is healthy and fit enough for hiking
- Check that dog tags are current and legible
- Brush up on dog obedience and verbal commands if you plan to have him off-leash.
- Check the weather, bring along maps and a compass, and familiarize yourself with the trail
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return
To Wrap it Up
When venturing into the great outdoors with your canine companion, being prepared with essential first aid items is crucial. The ten items listed above will equip you to handle potential emergencies and ensure your dog’s safety on the trail. Remember to pack these supplies diligently, and familiarize yourself with their usage beforehand.
You were lucky this time. You were close enough to the car that you could get back to town and to the vet promptly. But that incident made you realize that you need to be prepared when you hike with your pup.
You never know when one of you may get injured. Perhaps the weather will change unexpectedly, and a storm will roll in. Or you find yourself admiring a particularly beautiful sunset, you accidentally take a left when you should have taken a right – look around, and realize you’re lost. You hunker down and prepare to spend the night, thankful that you’ve prepared. You know you’ll be fine until morning, when you can reevaluate, reorient, and get back on the right path.
By taking these precautions, you can hike with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared to handle any unforeseen situations. It truly is a matter of life and death for both of you. Responsible pet ownership means being prepared, proactive, and attentive to your dog’s needs during outdoor activities.
So, grab your backpack, leash up your furry friend, and embark on a memorable adventure together. Remember, always hike prepared. Happy tails!