Step – 1: Finding a Medical Bag for Hiking
For me, building a first aid kit for both my dogs and myself started with the search for a good quality “molle type” medical bag. I got the idea from a friend who is also a K-9 handler and carries such a kit. I liked this style for its compact size, the amount of supplies it could hold and its ability to easily attach to backpacks or belts. Versatility and portability were my top concerns and I found a wide variety of medical bags in this style to choose from. I know that if I did not make it easy and convenient for myself I would find reasons not to take it with me – a little self-reverse psychology. The ones I looked at ranged from $15 – $50 and I finally settled on the trifold bag shown below.
I decided not to recommend any certain brand or type because I think this depends on what your needs are. For my needs I built one that could handle everything from day trip to week long outings. This lead me to purchase one that is medium-large.
Depicted below is not my full kit, I cleared it out a bit to give a better look inside. It has a zippered mesh pouch, multiple pockets and plenty of straps to hold things in place. I have carried this particular one for two years with no complaints.
k9 First Aid Kit in the making
Spending time and finding the right one was well worth it for me since I may be depending on it in an emergency situation.
As I mentioned last time I am encouraging fellow dog hikers to take some basic first aid training as a new student or as a refresher. I take a refresher every few years and it has become easier to do with online courses. The following classes are available on Udemy, a reputable source for training.
First Aid for Pets – This course is run by a veterinarian, Dr Katherine, and teaches basic knowledge to render aid for your pets in emergencies. Be prepared for pet emergencies: build a first aid kit + learn what actions to take for a range of traumas and diseases.
First Aid for Remote and Rural Locations – Wilderness First Aid for those who enjoy the remote areas.
First Aid – A guide to first aid for the common man. Covers sudden illness, wounds, burns, bone injuries and more.
