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Emergency Care for Trail Hounds
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Torn Dewclaws
Dewclaws are the "fifth finger" on the dog's front legs. Since dogs essentially walk on their toes, the dewclaw — the dogs thumb — usually dangles uselessly several inches above the ground. The dewclaw can catch on brush, logs, rocks, or other trail obstructions the dog has to navigate over, under, or around. A torn dewclaw can bleed a lot, but generally it isn't a serious injury. The prescribed treatment is to stop the bleeding through direct pressure. Next, wrap gauze around the dewclaw and leg, then wrap tape around it to hold the dewclaw firmly to the leg. Don't wrap too tightly, however, or you'll constrict blood flow into the lower leg.
Dehydration, Heat Stroke, Hypothermia
Dogs are prone to all three of these, just as you are. Make sure you have enough water for you and your dog when out hiking. If it gets hot, watch the dog for signs of heat exhaustion — lethargy, clumsiness, and heavy panting. Slow down, let the dog rest in the shade, and soak it down with water (a swim in a mountain creek or lake is the best way to beat heat exhaustion and heat stroke).
Burns
When backpacking, you'll likely be cooking on a camp stove resting on the ground. If the pooch noses up to the boiling pot, it can quickly get a severe burn. Cool the burn with snow or cold water, then apply topical antibiotic where blisters are broken, and bandage lightly to keep the burn area clean. Get the dog to a vet.
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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