In preparation for the main spring planting season, I wanted to release this interview with resources on dog safety. Of course this year with the pandemic a lot has changed, but regardless most of what we cover is still relevant for having dogs on and off the block tree planting!
Here is Céline's post on KKR from yesterday for ALL planters with dogs this season:
For planters with dogs, here is a fairly exhaustive list of items to add to your first aid + emergency preparedness kits. We have all been warned to come to camp prepared for everything we will need for the duration of our contracts. Please think about what your animal may need in the event of an emergency while you're in the bush!
-Veterinary-prescribed parasiticide for fleas/ticks/heartworm (such as Bravecto, Revolution, Nexguard Spectra etc.)
-Deworming (such as Drontal, Strongid etc.)
-Any prescription medication or pain killers (such as Metacam, Rheumocam, Meloxicam, Gabapentin etc.)
-Probiotic (such as Fortiflora)
-Benadryl *XYLITOL-FREE! (2mg per kg of body weight every 8 hours as necessary)
-Gravol (4-8mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours as necessary)
-Pepsid (0.11-0.22mg per kg of body weight)
-Laxatives (such as Laxaday or Miralax, up to 1⁄4 teaspoon daily)
-alcohol, hydrogen peroxide (0.22-0.45mL per kg of body weight to induce vomiting)
-Health supplements (such as Omega 3's, CBD etc)
-Manuka honey
-polysporin
-saline tears
-booties for burnt/ripped paw pads
-brush, flea comb, tick key, tweezers
-vet wrap, bandage tape, burn pads, gauze wrap, gauze pads, cotton balls, moist pads, non-adherent padding
-sanitizing scrub, epsom salts, chlorhex soap
-q-tips
-thermometer + lube
-tongue depressors
-25G needle, syringe cap, sterile syringes
-urgent care canned food
-high viz collar, extra leashes, collars, muzzle, carabiner, seat belt attachment, properly-fitted harness
-toys, poop bags
-portable kibble bag
-cauterizing sticks or flour to stop minor bleeding and ripped nails
-scissors, gloves, nail clippers
-identification: microchipping/tattoo/provincial or municipal registration
-food for the duration of the contract, towel, cone, food and water bowls
Céline Rytz is a planter, foreman and Joint OH+S Committee member with Brinkman Reforestation. She earned a pre-veterinary animal science Bachelors of Science in 2015 and has worked in several veterinary clinics as a veterinarian's assistant since. She strives to educate and support dog owners in forestry workplaces and remote communities throughout Canada. Céline constructed a project last spring for Brinkman's dog owners, specifically safety protocols while living in bush camp. I spent a fair amount of time researching online for any sort of comprehensive safety manual for dogs owners in the backcountry - whether for employment or leisure - and found very little information that was legitimate and complete.
A version of her work was shared at the WFCA annual conference this year in Victoria, BC during the "Dogs in Forestry Workplace" session. Through nearly a decade of planting, she has witnessed numerous emergencies involving dogs in the bush- dog fights, musculoskeletal injuries, marijuana ingestion, insect sting anaphylaxis, hit-by-car, heat stroke/hypothermia, etc. etc. etc... Given most planting camps are a lengthy distance from any veterinary clinic, educating yourself on proper first aid treatment may reduce an animal's suffering and even save its life.
LINKS
KKR post with Dog Safety PDF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58909687260/permalink/10157246910172261/
Email: bark@gmail.com
