I go out hiking regularly with the whole family and our dog is very much a part of these activities. As shown in a recent post, I try to be organised with what I take on these types of day trips and have always included a small first aid kit for those “you-never-know-when” moments. I have to say that I have been neglectful in one aspect until a fairly recent event. During the February snow, we decided to go for a shorter excursion across the fields near where we live. It was cold but great to get some exercise. The ground was covered with snow, but it was a light covering, so walking wasn’t hard. We were mid walk when we noticed a trail of red in the white snow behind us. It was then that we realised one of our dog’s paws had been cut by something on the walk. Fortunately our dog is small, so could be easily carried and we weren’t too far away from home to be able to deal with the injury swiftly. However, I now realise that I definitely need to carry a dog first-aid kit with me too. Take a look at the items I now consider to be essential for walking or hiking with dogs.
What to include in a dog first-aid kit
Items to include in a dog first-aid kit should include the following:
- Bandages
- Sticky tape – to keep the bandage in place
- Cotton wool – to help clean a wound
- Absorbent dressings and gauze – to provide a barrier between a wound and the bandage
- Antiseptic wipes or spray – to disinfect a wound
- Petroleum jelly – use as a lubricant
- Saline solution – for flushing debris out of eyes or wounds
- Disposable surgical gloves – to protect your dog from dirt on your hands and to protect you from germs too
- Tick removal tool
- Digital thermometer
You may find it easier to purchase a pre-prepared dog first-aid kit at your local pet shop. These will contain all of the items that you need for basic first aid out in the field or half-way up a hill.
Other items to add to your dog first-aid kit
Whether it’s a home-prepared kit or a pre-prepared version, add the phone number to your vet’s surgery inside the first-aid kit, so that you can contact them quickly and easily if needed.
Having a vehicle-specific Travall Liner installed in the boot of your car is beneficial too. The textured surface helps prevent your dog slipping on the bends, so an injured dog isn’t subjected to further discomfort and can have an enjoyable ride home or to the vet’s surgery.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
