Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe on the Trail
By Dr. Jessica Bienapfl
Recently, I was asked to speak about what I carry in my hiking pack for canine first aid. In general, I keep a few essentials with me on the trail, with a larger first aid kit stashed in the car. This is by no means an exhaustive list — but it’s what has worked for me over the years. The goal of these supplies is simple: provide basic stabilization so you can get back to the car and into the veterinary or emergency office for further care.
I do not ever recommend trailside surgery for any reason. There are far too many things that can go wrong if wounds aren’t properly assessed, explored, and cleaned. Canine and feline skin is incredibly mobile, which means the wound you see on the surface may have corresponding damage to the tissues inches away under the skin. These things can be tricky, so when in doubt, please have your pet assessed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What I Carry in My Hiking Pack
- Ace bandage. Small and versatile — can be used to stabilize an injury or serve as a sling or bandage material.
- A dog boot and sock. If she slices her pad or tears a nail, this keeps the area clean and helps control bleeding.
- A knife. A basic pocket knife or multi-tool.
- Maxi pads. Women’s sanitary napkins come individually packaged and make fantastic bandage material.
- Slip leashes (2). They roll up into tiny parcels and can be used for everything from a sling to a muzzle to a belt.
- Cable cutter. Designed specifically to cut cable in case your dog gets tangled.
- Bandage material. A single large (4×4) Telfa pad, a small amount of gauze, and a roll of Vetrap.
- Benadryl, 25 mg tablets. For allergic reactions or bee stings. Approximately 1 mg per pound of body weight, max 50 mg. Do not give your pet any other human medications.
- Tweezers and nail clippers.
What I Keep in the Car
- Eye wash or sterile saline flush
- Additional gauze, Telfa pads, and Vetrap
- Examination gloves
- Plastic wrap (Saran wrap)
- Standard band-aids
- Triple antibiotic ointment
A Final Word
I hope you never need to use any of these supplies — but I wish you all safe, happy adventures while exploring our trails. If your dog does get into trouble on the trail, please call Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic at (406) 587-5537 as soon as you’re back in cell range. We’re here to help.