Time to Hit the Great Outdoors! Vet Tips for a Pet-Safe Spring

Spring is in the air!

 Whether it’s a quick hike, day trip, or weekend away, it’s time to get outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air with your four-legged friend. Before you do, here are some insights into common injuries and tips on how to be prepared when hitting the great outdoors with your pet.

Pet First Aid Kit

 First, it’s essential to have a pet first aid kit on hand - always! Kits may be purchased at your local pet store or, if you’d like to create your own, I recommend the following items:

• Antiseptic wipes

• Antibiotic ointment

• Tweezers

• Safety pins

• Slip leash

• Bandage materials

• Eyewash

• Benadryl

• Thermometer

• Lube/Vaseline

• Styptic powder

• E-Collar to prevent further self-trauma

Also, consider asking your vet for antibiotic eye ointment and NSAID pain reliever, and always have a plan for where to take your dog in an emergency medical situation. 

Vital Signs

Second, it’s important to know your dog’s normal vital signs. This gives you a benchmark in assessing your dog in case of an accident or injury, and it will help determine if your dog may need immediate medical attention. You may want to print out the following vital signs and keep them with your pet first aid kit so you’ll have them handy on your rambles.

Normal vital signs for dogs should be:

 Temperature (rectal): 100°F-102°F

 Heart rate: 60-120 beats per minute.  To measure, feel for the heartbeat just below the elbow or feel for a femoral pulse on the inside of the back leg where it meets the body.

Respiratory rate: 12-30 breaths per minute. To measure, count the number of breaths in 30 seconds and then multiply by two. It’s important to note that the respiratory rate should be taken when the dog is at rest and not panting.

Gums and tongue: Pink

Most Common Injuries

By having your pet first aid kit, knowing your dog’s vitals, and knowing exactly where you will take your pet in case of an emergency, you’ll be well-equipped to handle most of the following common injuries:

Foxtails are most prevalent on the west coast. These grass-like weeds have small prongs that cause the grass seeds to attach to hair/skin and become embedded. Once embedded, these can migrate just about anywhere causing severe infections if left untreated.  The most common cases of Foxtails are found in an animal’s nose, ears, and paws. After you’ve been outside, give your pet a quick once-over to spot and remove any foxtails that might be stuck.

Lameness can be painful for your animal. Mild lameness may be present if your dog is still using the affected leg and bearing some weight on it. In cases of moderate to severe lameness, the dog will be toe touching or not placing any weight on the limb. If your dog is experiencing moderate to severe lameness, you should abort the hike immediately and have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.

Pads and paws are affected by the terrain you’re walking on. Pad lacerations require veterinary care because stitches are usually needed, often with a bandage and splint for further protection. When pad lacerations occur, rinse with water and apply non-stick gauze with a padded bandage until you can see your vet. Pad abrasions may be treated with rest, booties, cold water, and topical cream.

Signs of eye problems include squinting, excessive tearing, green/yellow discharge, cloudiness, rubbing or pawing at the eye, and redness or swelling around the eye. Eyes may be treated while out on the trail. Simply rinse/flush the eye with eye wash solution, apply a vet-approved antibiotic ointment, and keep your dog from rubbing the eye.

Whenever you’re outdoors, your dog is also susceptible to many different types of wildlife injuries. It’s important to be aware of possible snake bites, spider bites, and porcupine quills. If you have a small dog, be aware of any birds of prey that may snatch them up.

We all hope an emergency never happens, but if one does, remember these tips:

• Stay calm

• Secure the scene by removing any physical threats

• Muzzle if necessary; injured pets can become stressed and bite

• Check airways, breathing, and circulation

• If necessary, start CPR

• Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian

• Splint any broken bones before moving the pet

• Get your pet to an emergency clinic ASAP!

Finally, when an injury does occur or if you’re in doubt, always seek out your veterinarian for further medical attention and know ahead of time where to take your animal in case of an emergency. 

With these tips in mind, you and your pet will be ready to enjoy the best spring has to offer. Here’s to many safe and happy outings together in the great outdoors!