Minor bumps, bruises, cuts and scraps are inevitable when hiking with my dogs.  My hiking medical kit addresses the need to be able to treat such wounds.  On the other end of the spectrum is serious injuries and I carry supplies to deal with those injuries as well.  I keep a pack of QuikClot in my kit for emergencies involving excessive bleeding.  There are some wounds that typical bandages and gauze will not be able to handle and having an emergency involving life threatening bleeding while hiking leaves few options other than to treat the wound right then and there.

QuikClot is easy to use.  I have had training in how to apply it and all that is required is to apply the QuikClot pack to the wound to stop the bleeding, then dress it and get help.

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.

Online First Aid Classes

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.