National Camping Month: How to Treat Common Pet Wounds Outdoors
Everyone wishes to bring their pet camping. Camping trips necessitate meticulous planning, including an understanding of park restrictions and pet safety. June is National Camping Month, so now is an excellent time to plan a long trip with your pet.
Consider your dog's safety when going on outdoor adventures. What if an emergency occurs far from assistance? What's in your dog's first-aid kit? Canine first aid for hiking differs from human care because of their unique anatomy (for example, their paws and footpads). Indeed, there are many things for you to consider for the safety of your dogs while you are away from home.
Continue reading for information on frequent dangers dogs face in the woods, symptoms to look for, and what you can do to help them until you can get them to a veterinarian (even without a veterinary degree).
First Aid for Insect Stings
Dogs, like humans, dislike bee stings. Their coat only provides limited protection. I've never seen a dog have an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting in my twenty years of expertise. Any foreign substance, just like in humans, can produce an anaphylactic reaction in a dog. This disease affects two organs. If your dog has difficulty breathing, vomits, or has diarrhea after getting stung, take it to the clinic right away.
The Treatment:
- Remove the stinger with tweezers.
- Apply Benadryl (1 mg per pound of body weight; if your dog weighs 50 pounds, give 50 mg). If you do not already have Benadryl in your personal first aid kit, include it in your dog's hiking pack.
First Aid for Sprains and Strains in Dogs
Dogs are more agile and adept at crossing terrain than humans on hikes, yet they nevertheless experience sprains and strains. They have three extra legs than humans, allowing them to walk without much effort. However, it is useful to understand how you may help them and what to look out for if you are concerned.
The Treatment:
- Inquire with your veterinarian about including a small amount of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in your dog's hiking first aid kit. In the majority of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, or mild traumas, these medications are safe for short-term use.
- Aspirin is not an NSAID that I recommend for dogs.
- For sprains and strains, it is highly recommended to reduce physical exertion. This is ineffectual in the backcountry. If your dog limps when hiking, avoid long distances and return home.
First Aid for Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion
Humans have lower body temperatures than dogs. Dogs on trails are susceptible to heat exhaustion/stroke due to their year-round fur coats and inability to sweat and moisten their fur. Heat exhaustion can be avoided as well as it should be.
Some words of advice:
- Hike early or late in the day, or when the weather is cooler.
- Trim your pet's coat if it is thick or long throughout the summer.
- Keep them away from too much sun exposure.
- Always give your dog water and breaks on walks. Pack a foldable dog bowl.
Heat-related ailments are common in brachycephalic breeds (the kind with flattened faces, like Pugs, Pekinese, English Bulldogs, etc.). Certain dog breeds may be safer on a home walk than on a woodland trail. A cooling vest can help them stay cool in the heat.
Conclusion
As much as we love to take our dogs with us everywhere, we must always keep in mind that it is crucial to be responsible pet parents. After all, our dogs have needs and they may not be able to vocally express them. As such, keep these tips in mind as you go camping with your furry best friend!
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