It's summer and that means lots of people will be hitting the trails and 
embarking on long hikes. Many will even bring along their favorite 
four-legged friend. While dogs may enjoy running carefree through
 the woods and sniffing everything they come across, there are several 
things owners should do to make sure their dog has a safe and 
pleasant hike. For starters, make sure your dog is physically ready 
for such an outing and gather all your other gear.
It's essential that owners also pack a first aid kid and know how 
to treat common injuries before taking a dog on a hike, according
 to Dr. Nina Anderson, medical director of VCA Buckhead Animal 
Hospital. Anderson answers some common questions regarding first 
aid for dogs, what steps to take for treating injuries and preventative 
tips so you can avoid the negative scenarios.
What should you pack for a first aid kit specifically meant for a dog?
There is a lot of overlap, including betadine or peroxide to clean wounds, 
tweezers, ace bandage, gauze pads, eye wash, medical tape. I would add 
Benadryl for insect bites. I recommend checking with your vet for 
appropriate doses and that's not contraindicated due to individual health. 
There is a product, Tuf-Foot, that can help cuts. (I haven't personally used it).
dog drinking water outdoorsMake sure your dog drinks plenty of water before a hike and frequently throughout the day. (Photo: ArtifyAnalog/Shutterstock)
How much water should a dog drink while hiking?
A lot! Train your dog on short walks to drink from a foldable bowl or a 
water bottle with an attachment so they can drink well before a long 
hike. Many short water breaks are much better than a big belly full of 
water.
Is it OK for dogs to wear packs while hiking?
Yes, but carry 10-15 percent of body weight only. Make sure you have 
trained with your dog on shorter walks to make sure there aren't 
pressure sores or chaffing. The weight may change the balance/weight 
on the dog's legs, so practice is important. Age, size, breed and 
athleticism plays into if a pack is appropriate. The human hiker 
should plan to carry the majority of the supplies!
Is a retractable or short leash better suited for hiking?
NO retractable leashes! So many problems will be avoided if 
on a short leash — problems with other dogs, people, wild animals, 
eating plants away from humans, avoiding snakes, etc.
Are certain types of treats better tailored to give a dog energy 
and proper sustenance while hiking?
Protein treats and plenty of water. If hiking for many hours, expect 
that dogs will need to increase the volume of their food. Multiple 
smaller meals are better than abruptly giving the dog a much bigger 
meal on an empty stomach. If you're hiking a lot, discuss with your
 vet about the best-suited food for your dog's level of exercise and 
lifestyle.
English bulldogAnderson recommends not taking short-muzzled dogs on hikes. (Photo: ltummy/Shutterstock)
Listed below are injuries a dog may sustain while hiking, and 
Anderson provides steps for treating each of them:
  1. Insect bite/sting: Use a tweezer to remove stinger, clean with
    betadine and use your antihistamine. (Discuss the proper dosage
    with your vet before you go.)

    2. Sprained/strained ankle/paw: Place an ice pack on the sprain
    and slow down. If your pet is small enough, carry him. Do not splint
    the hurt leg.

    3.Foot pad cut (and other cuts): Clean with betadine and use foot
    protection if you have it. But again, you have to train with the dog
    first to make sure the booties are comfortable and fit well.

    4.Eating unknown plant/mushroom/etc: Ask your vet for the
    appropriate dose for making you dog vomit. Peroxide usually
    works.

    5.Snake bite (other venomous animal bite): Get to vet ASAP.
    Broken bone: Just like for human hikers, this is the end of the hike.
    Get help! Carry your dog or head back at a very slow pace with
    your dog.

    6.Heat exhaustion/stroke: Cool down. Do not hike with pugs,
    bulldogs, Frenchies or other short-muzzled dogs. It's super
     important to hike in cool weather and shade and take breaks.
    Training to get your dog adjusted to hiking is even more
    important than with humans. Overweight and long-haired
    dogs will have a harder time. Drink cool water in small
    amounts, wet their fur, feet and face, get in the shade and
    get to the vet ASAP, as this can be deadly.

    7.Ticks: Use flea and tick preventative medication as directed
    by your veterinarian all year-round.

    8.Ripped dew claw: Clean with betadine and use a light bandage,
    making sure it's not too tight to create tourniquet action that
    would cause foot to swell and pool blood in the foot.

    9.Allergic reaction: Use antihistamine dose previously discussed
    with your vet.
dog by waterfallNo matter how tempting, it's best not to let your dog play in a creek or river. (Photo: dezy/Shutterstock)
There are also several preventative measures owners can take to ensure 
their dog is safe and comfortable. Anderson recommends all dogs be 
microchipped in case they get lost or separated from you.
When it comes to water, Anderson suggests dogs stay away from creek, 
rivers and other water sources (no matter how much a dog begs.) Dogs 
can easily drink too much water, lower their body temperature too much 
or get swept away. Also make sure dogs don't relieve themselves near 
water sources because their urine and feces will contaminate the water. 
Always carry doggy bags or bury the dog's waste.
"Prevention is key," says Anderson. "Use heartworm and flea/tick 
medications and make sure that your dog is up-to-date on vaccines. 
Discuss with your vet your dog's lifestyle and where you will be hiking."
And above all else..."Don't overdo it!"