This 100-Pound Dog Damaged His Paws On A Hike And Rescuers Carried Him Down A Mountain On A Stretcher
On July 27, 2024, a 100-pound dog named Fuji ran into trouble along the Cog Railway tracks on Mount Washington in New Hampshire.
After starting a multi-day hike with his owner and a friend, Fuji’s paws began to show signs of damage on Mount Jefferson.
He continued walking until they reached the tracks, where he stopped due to exhaustion and torn pads.
The NH Paw Rescue was notified of the incident at 6:50 p.m. Fuji’s owner and friend were able to slowly carry him down for a little way until they were met by team members from the organization at around 9:30 p.m.
Fuji was given some water and placed on a foam pad on an emergency stretcher. He was transported down the mountain toward the Cogs Railway base station.
They arrived at 11:10 p.m., where Fuji’s paws were promptly cleaned and wrapped. Fuji’s owner planned to seek veterinary care once they got home.
NH Paw Rescue stated that the Presidential Range, which was the mountain Fuji and his group were on, has extremely rough terrain and sharp rocks, particularly on the northern peaks. The uneven ground can cause injury to dog paws.
Going hiking with your dog is a fun activity that can bring you and your pet closer together. It’s an excellent way to get some exercise in and enjoy the outdoors.
However, before you take your dog out on a hike, consider their capabilities and the conditions of the trail you’re planning to visit. For larger and older dogs, short and flat paths with few obstacles are best.
edb3_16 – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person or dog
It’s also important to prepare and pack the right gear in case you experience problems on the trail. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe on the trail and ensure that you have many more hiking adventures together.
Your pooch needs enough fresh, clean water to drink, especially on a hot day. Not only do you want to avoid dehydration and heat stroke, but you also want to prevent your dog from lapping up water in a pond, puddle, or stream. These alternative water sources may contain parasites or pathogens that can make your pet sick.
As for how much water to bring, dogs typically consume 1.7 to three fluid ounces per 2.2 pounds of body weight on a normal day. When hiking, those numbers tend to double. The amount of water a dog consumes on average also depends on their breed, activity levels, and other factors.
Be cautious about performing strenuous activity when it’s above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to avoid it altogether when it’s 80 degrees or above. Dogs pant to cool themselves down, so if you notice excessive panting, that might be a sign of heat stroke.
If your dog stops frequently for breaks, lies down for a rest, or is drooling in the middle of a hike, they might be too hot and tired. Take regular breaks and provide fresh, clean water to keep your dog hydrated.
When hiking on rugged terrain, pack dog first aid supplies, including bandages and booties. This can help address scrapes and injuries on paws. Bring a rescue sling or stretcher you can use to evacuate your dog if needed.
Additionally, a rescue harness should be among your supplies. A harness can help your dog be evacuated quickly.
Having a plan in place and paying close attention to your dog will keep them happy, healthy, and safe!
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