4 common pet medical emergencies while hiking outdoors

shutterstock_621670343_blog_main.jpg

4 Common pet medical emergencies

While hiking with your pets can be a fun activity, it's always a good idea to keep an eye open for danger. There are many factors that can contribute to your pets' safety being in danger, so always keep a first aid kit handy — not just for yourself, but also for your furry friend as well. (If you don't have one yet, I encourage you to pick yours up here.

Now, not all of us are doctors and we might not all know how to operate a first aid kit, but most first aid kits come with their own instruction manuals on how to properly clean, disinfect, and dress the wound. However, those texts are often too small to be legible — especially during times of crisis when injuries do happen. So instead of trying to memorize everything about operating a first aid kit, just keep in mind of the 4 most common pet medical emergencies that can happen while hiking outdoors.


Bite Wounds

  • Muzzle or restrain the animal's head; disinfect the wound with saline (or clean water)

  • Firmly apply pressure on the wound with clean towel for about 2-3 minutes before checking to see if the wound is still bleeding.

  • Add more layers if the towel or cloth is soaking through with blood, but keep the original layer on as it may help with forming blood clots.

Choking

  • Gently remove any foreign objects from the animal's mouth if possible.

  • If that doesn't work, then strike the ribcage firmly with your hand about 3-4 times to suddenly push air out of their lungs (either on both sides or lay your pet on its side).

Heatstroke

  • Move pet out of direct sunlight into a shaded area.

  • Wet the towel with cold water and wrap it around the animal's neck and head.

  • Wring it out, wet it again, and re-wrap it every few minutes.

  • Pour water over its abdomen and its underbelly to keep it cool.
     

Poison

  • IMMEDIATELY call your veterinarian, or Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

  • Describe the symptoms, name and description of substance in question.

  • If bitten by a snake: Take a picture of the snake and identify it if possible FROM A SAFE DISTANCE. Always assume that the snake is poisonous.

 

Of course, the most important thing to do is to bring your pet into the veterinarian's office and seek medical help immediately. Even if the injury seems like a minor one, it's better to have the doctor check it off than for us to assume and not provide your animals with proper care.


CareGuest User