Pet Emergency Preparedness

Be Prepared for your Pets in an Emergency!

Though September is officially Pet Emergency Preparedness month you should make sure you are prepared to keep your pets safe and healthy in the event of an emergency year round.

Would you know what to do if your dog was choking, severely cut, or bite by snake?

Seconds and minutes matter.

It’s best to read and regularly refresh your first aid and CPR knowledge using a Dog or Cat First Aid Book, as well as attending a Dog First Aid Course every 1-2 years. Reach out to your local Red Cross or Rescue Organization to see if they offer or know of a nearby course opportunities.

What if you had to evacuate from or were quarantined in your home?

In most parts of the world there is the potential for a variety of natural disasters: earthquakes, fires, tornado, floods, etc. Do you have a plan to evacuate with your pets?

What if there was a pandemic? Do you have enough food, water, and other supplies to hunker down at home?

Do you worry that your dog wouldn’t come to you in the event of an emergency?

Don’t hesitate. Prepare today!

Not only should you have a easily accessible and transportable emergency kit for yourself, but you should also have one for your pets.

Additionally, you should create emergency evacuation plan and practice your emergency evacuation drill with your family, including any and all pets.

In the event of an evacuation you will want to know:

Where your (small) pet’s travel kennel(s) are located
Your pets, including your cats, will come to you when called*
The other items you need/want to grab, time permitting — Create a checklist and keep it pinned on your refrigerator

*If you dog doesn’t come when called each and every time, whether inside or outdoors, -Contact Me- to find out about my dog training options or visit http://feetandpaws.com/private-dog-training/.

Pet Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Here is a short list of items you should have in your emergency pack for your pets:

Overall (for both Dogs and Cats):

Emergency Blanket
Sleeping Bag
First Aid Kit
Laminated Photos of Pets for Lost Posters
Copies of Pet Proof of Ownership
Copies of Recent Vaccines/Medical Records
Wet Ones
Water (enough for 3-7 days, typically at least a few gallons for them as well as a few for you)
Water Purification Tablets

Dog First Aid and Pet Emergency Preparedness

Dog:

Dog First Aid Book
Food (enough for at least 3-7 days — Remember to regularly check expiration dates)
Bowls (one for food one for water)
Leash
Collar/Harness and ID Tags
Carrier/Kennel
Seat Belt (see my post about my favorite product at http://feetandpaws.com/safest-way-to-drive-with-your-dog/)
Dog Booties (in case the terrain is hot, cold, or hard to manage)
Canned Food Covers

Cat First Aid and Pet Emergency Preparedness

Cat:

Cat First Aid Book
Food (enough for at least 3-7 days — Remember to regularly check expiration dates)
Bowls (one for food, one for water)
Collar/Harness with ID Tags
Leash
Car Safe Carrier/Kennel (see my post about my favorite product at http://feetandpaws.com/safest-way-to-drive-with-your-dog/)
Potty Bags
Canned Food Covers

Also have on hand the list of regional Dog Friendly Hotels in case there are no emergency shelters that can accommodate you and your pets.

Dog Saves Girl From Snake Bite

Warning: Graphic Content

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

On a lighter note, we all love being one step closer to understanding our dogs, so check out CNN reporting WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?

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