Disaster can strike in the blink of an eye. Do you have measures to protect your dog in place should the unthinkable happen?
If your answer is “no,” here are a few ideas that can help you prepare.
One of the most important things you can do is to plan ahead. Don’t rely on the “it won’t happen to me” attitude.
It is a good idea to have evacuation plans in order. Do the research in advance. When disaster strikes, you are not going to have a lot of time on your hands to find a safe place for your pet to go while you and the rest of the family evacuate. Remember, most disaster shelters are not going to allow you to bring your dog.
Perhaps you could arrange with friends or family members to care for your dog while you are gone. If you do find one that can help, it is important to make sure that person has the necessary supplies and information concerning your dog’s needs.
Another option is to find pet-friendly hotels so that you can keep your dogs with you. However, you need to be aware of the fact that this will work only if you are able to escape the disaster area. It probably won’t do you much good if the whole city is being evacuated.
Some animal shelters are set up to provide emergency pet shelters. This can be a last result, but it is not one that you should count on.
When the worst happens and an evacuation order is issued, it is important to act quickly. Make sure your dog is wearing his or her collar. It is vital that identification tags are secured to the collar. Should you become separated from your dog, the information on the collar is the only lifeline back to you.
It is a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit assembled so that you can leave home with your dog in a hurry. This type of kit should include items that your dog needs to survive.
Food and fresh water are of the utmost importance. Pack at least a one-week supply of food and water. Be sure to monitor the expiration date and replace it when needed. Don’t forget to include dishes; collapsible ones are ideal. You will also need a can opener if you feed your dog canned food. If your dog requires medications, be sure to pack a supply that will last a minimum of one week. Again, keep an eye on the expiration date of the medicine. Pack all of these items in a waterproof container.
Don’t overlook the paperwork. If your dog is lost during a disaster, do you have a photograph to show? Be sure to keep a recent picture of your dog with your emergency preparedness kit. It is also important to have a copy of vaccination records, your dog’s medical history and any other medical information that pertains to your pet.
It is also a good idea to have the dog’s veterinary information, including name, address and telephone number, available. If you have pet insurance for your dog, make sure you have the insurance information with you.
If your dog is a purebred with papers, include his or her registration information. You will need to carry information about your dog’s microchip are tattoo numbers for identification purposes. Last, but not least, include a list of emergency contacts. Start by including your own information.
Don’t forget to include your cell phone number. If you’ve evacuated your home, there isn’t going to be anyone there to answer the phone.
There are a few other items you may want to include. It can be helpful to carry a spare collar and leash. Don’t forget to pack the bedding. You may want to carry some grooming items and don’t forget your dog’s favorite toys.
The last important piece of your emergency preparedness readiness recipe is to insure that you have a well stocked first aid kit that is waterproof. Include the following items:
- First aid book
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Blanket
- Brush
- Nail clippers
- Sterile pads
- Roll of gauze bandage
- Adhesive tape
- Q-tips
- Thermometer
- Eye wash
- Eye ointment
- Eye dropper
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Styptic pencil
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol
- Mineral oil
- Splint materials (a tongue depressor or short ruler works in a pinch)
Hopefully, you will never have to use any of these supplies, but it is best to be prepared for the unexpected.
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