How to Give Your Dog First Aid While Hiking
Hiking with your dog can be fun, but owners should be aware of the risks. Dogs can suffer from cuts, insect bites, sprains, or even heatstroke while on the trail. A basic understanding of canine first aid can help you respond to injuries and keep your dog safe. Let’s explore some key first aid tips and common trail injuries, as well as how to handle emergencies while hiking with your dog.
What Should You Pack in a Dog First Aid Kit?
Carrying a canine first aid kit is just as important as packing water or a leash. You can buy pre-made kits or assemble your own. Here are the must-have items for a dog first aid kit:
Bandages, gauze, and vet wrap—For covering wounds and preventing infection.
Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment—To clean minor cuts and scrapes.
Tweezers—For removing ticks, splinters, or thorns.
Benadryl—Helps with allergic reactions to stings or plants (check with your vet for the proper dosage).
Booties or paw wax—Protects injured paws and prevents further damage.
Emergency blanket—Useful for cold shock or carrying an injured dog.
Hydrogen peroxide—For cleaning wounds (use sparingly and under vet guidance).
Styptic powder or cornstarch—Helps stop minor bleeding from nails or small cuts.
Canine CPR guide—Knowing CPR could save your dog’s life in a crisis.
Having these supplies ready before your hike can help you act fast if your dog gets hurt.
Handling common trail injuries
Even with the best precautions, injuries can still occur on the trail. You should be aware of how to treat common issues like cuts, sprains, overheating, and bites before you hike with your dog.
Cuts, scrapes, and paw pad injuries
Minor cuts and scrapes from rocks, branches, or rough terrain are common hiking injuries.
If your dog gets a cut, rinse the wound with clean water to remove dirt and debris, then apply an antiseptic wipe followed by antibiotic ointment. Deep cuts should be covered with gauze and secured with vet wrap to prevent infection. If bleeding persists or the wound appears deep, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Paw pad injuries can be especially painful and slow to heal. If your dog’s pads crack or bleed, clean the area thoroughly and apply an antibiotic ointment. Protect the injured paw with a bootie or gauze wrap and limit hiking until the pad has healed. Avoid hot pavement or rough terrain that could worsen the injury.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Hiking in hot weather can put dogs at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly can help to prevent a life-threatening emergency.
Early signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy. Heat exhaustion can easily escalate to heatstroke, which is characterized by vomiting, disorientation, or collapse.
If you suspect that your dog is overheating, move them to a shaded area and offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water. Wetting the dog’s paws, ears, and belly with water can help to lower their body temperature. If symptoms continue, immediately seek veterinary care.
You can prevent heat-related issues by hiking during cooler hours, taking frequent water breaks, and choosing shaded trails.
Insect bites and stings
Bee stings, spider bites, and mosquito bites can cause swelling and discomfort. If your dog is stung, remove the stinger with tweezers and apply a cold compress. Severe swelling or breathing issues require veterinary care.
Ticks should be carefully removed with tweezers, and the bite area should be cleaned. Check for ticks after hikes and monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever or joint pain.
Snake bites and other wildlife encounters
Encounters with snakes, porcupines, or other wildlife can result in serious injuries to your dog. Keeping your dog leashed and knowing how to respond to a bite or attack can be life-saving.
Snake bites can be life-threatening. If your dog is bitten, keep them as still as possible to slow the spread of venom. Do not attempt to extract the venom or apply ice. Carry or walk your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately.
Sprains, strains, and broken bones
Dogs can easily experience sprains or broken bones while navigating uneven terrain or jumping off high surfaces.
A sudden limp or refusal to put weight on their leg may indicate a sprain or fracture. For minor strains, rest and limited activity may help. Severe pain, swelling, or deformity suggests a fracture, which requires emergency veterinary care.
Using a makeshift splint with a bandana or stick can provide temporary support until professional treatment is available.
Poisonous plants and toxins
Dogs love to sniff and explore, but some plants on the trail can be toxic if ingested. Knowing which plants to watch for and acting fast if your dog eats something harmful can save their life.
Poison oak, poison ivy, and certain mushrooms can cause irritation, vomiting, or more severe reactions. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a toxic plant, try to identify it and contact a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661).