A chest harness provides safety in blind passages and in rocky terrain.

Hiking emergencies

Summer and autumn time is hiking time. In the mountains, our four-legged friends can really let off steam and live out their urge to move in the great outdoors. But as everywhere in life, dangers lurk there and accidents can happen. In the event of an emergency, it is important to be prepared.

What situations should I be prepared for as a hiker:

Our recommendation: A small emergency kit for the dog belongs in every hiking backpack. Equipped with bandages, wound disinfectant, fever thermometer, tweezers, clean gloves, diarrhea tablets and much more.

A chest harness provides safety in blind passages and in rocky terrain.

Wounds, cuts
and bites

A misstep on a sharp-edged rock, a shard on the ground, or even running wildly in the brush if the coat is short, can cause abrasions and cuts to the skin.

Superficial abrasions can be disinfected and left open. For the next 3-4 days, the wound should be observed for swelling, redness, painfulness, and warmth. If one or more of these signs appear, this indicates inflammation and the dog should be presented to a veterinarian. Deeper wounds that penetrate the entire skin and are larger than 1 cm should be irrigated with saline, disinfected and dressed. If bleeding is severe, a pressure dressing should be applied. These wounds should be checked by a veterinarian in the next 24 hours. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible. How to apply a proper wound dressing can be learned in emergency dog care classes.

On hikes you often meet conspecifics, but not every dog is compatible with other dogs. Try to clarify in advance with the owner whether the own dog should be leashed. If, despite all precautions, a scuffle occurs, skin injuries often result. In the worst case scenario, a fight with a large and small dog can result in serious injuries for the little one. Opening of the chest cavity or abdominal cavity, fractures and back injuries, and head injuries are possible. Immediately check if the dog is responsive and ambulatory. Observe breathing and circulation. If the little one has been shaken, it should definitely be presented to the veterinarian and observed very thoroughly for the next 24 hours. Search the skin for injuries, carefully parting the coat 1-2 inches apart and examining the dog from head to tail. If minor bite wounds that completely penetrate the skin are present, the dog should be presented to the veterinarian the same day. Even if the injury appears small from the outside, a large cavity is often created inside due to the tearing. In case of massive injuries, visit the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Falls

Falls can result in injuries of varying severity. From minor bruises to fractures and head injuries. It is ideal if these can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions. Put on the dog a properly fitted chest harness and take him on a short leash during unsafe passages to carry him out safely. If the dog makes a misstep, you can pull him up by the chest harness. With a collar, the dog slips out, breaks his neck, or gets strangled if he falls off. Also, the dog can be better supported when crossing tree trunks or large rocks with the chest harness.

In the event of a fall, it is important to remain calm and also consider your own safety. The helper should not become an emergency himself. If the dog can be safely recovered, consciousness and locomotion should be checked. Check breathing, circulation and pulse every 5-10 minutes. Fractures should not be moved, and should be stabilized as best as possible. Broken limbs must not be loaded. In case of doubt, the dog should be carried. If back injuries or multiple fractures are suspected, the dog should be transported on a board. Open wounds should be rinsed with saline solution or, in an emergency, with water if large wounds are heavily contaminated, and covered sterilely. If the dog cannot be recovered by itself, appropriate local institutions should be contacted. If possible, first aid should be administered to the dog until appropriate emergency personnel arrive.

Heat stroke

In midsummer, hikes in wooded areas are preferable to avoid heat stroke. In warm and humid weather, special care must be taken. Breaks must be scheduled to avoid overloading. If the dog shows sudden, heavy panting, restlessness or even disturbed consciousness after intense exercise in the blazing sun, measure the body temperature. If this > is 41 degrees immediately bring the dog into the shade, carefully wet the fur. Ice is counterproductive. If the cold is too extreme, the vessels contract and the cold no longer reaches the center of the body. Present the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Consequential damage is also possible in the next few days and can lead to the death of the dog.

Stings and poisonings

Stings from bees or wasps should be cooled immediately. Stings in the area of the face and mouth should be particularly well observed. Respiratory distress is possible. In the case of snakebites, the snake should be photographed to determine the species.

Poisoning due to ingestion of various substances can also occur during hiking. Possible signs include massive vomiting or diarrhea and changes in consciousness and general condition. Ingestion of a substance can induce vomiting within two hours by the veterinarian. Information in case of ingestion of potentially toxic substances is available from Tox Info Suisse via the emergency telephone 145 or at www.toxi.ch.

A chest harness provides safety in blind passages and in rocky terrain.

Caterpillars of the pine processionary moth, which is found in Ticino, can cause serious injuries in the dog’s mouth on contact. Death of the tongue of varying degrees is the result. The contact is to be avoided urgently. In case of possible contact, immediately rinse the oral cavity thoroughly and consult a veterinarian immediately. Pay attention to your safety!

Pine processionary moth (Photo: insects.ch)

Emergency courses for dog owners

Do you have questions about any of the above or would you like to learn even more about canine first aid? Using practical and theoretical examples, you will learn in our emergency help courses how to help your dog properly in an emergency situation. You can find the current dates here: Events.