Are you and your dog prepared if there is a disaster?
Disasters Preparedness for your dog is essential. Disasters strike when you least suspect them . Therefore, it is good to have a disaster plan in place for your home and family that includes making provisions for your dog and other pets . If you live in an area that gets hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, you probably have some idea of what you will do to evacuate or if you lose power and services. But what will you do with your dog?
Disasters can also strike your home, when you are not there. spelling a disaster for pets that are home alone. You can get stickers for your home windows that let fire rescue workers know that pets are inside in need of rescue. You will probably pack a first aid kit for your family, but don’t forget about supplies for your dog as well. Ask your veterinarian for advice on how to treat your dog if he is injured in a disaster and what supplies you should have on hand. Be prepared to live off of your emergency supplies and be totally self sufficient for at least seven days.
What should be in your dog’s basic first aid kit ?
It is important to make an emergency supply kit for your dog and other furry pets. Preparedness reduces stress.
- A seven days’ supply of food,
- Treats, Poop bags
- Bottled water,
- Bowls
- A few favorite toys,
- An extra leash and collar WITH identification AND an Emergency contact
- Copies of important papers,vet records
If your dog doesn’t use the crate on a daily basis, you can store all of your supplies inside it. It is a good idea to have a blanket and travel crate packed This helps your dog feel secure at a time when everyone may be panicked. You don’t want your dog to get scared and bolt. You may even want to consider buying a halter or harness rather than a collar so your dog is less likely to get away. It is also a good idea to make sure your pet is microchipped for easy identification
Hopefully, you and your dog or other pets, will never be involved in a disaster but it is always best to be prepared and not need it, rather than to be in need of supplies and shelter and have nowhere to turn. The time to plan for your dog’s safety and well being is before there is any threat underway. Many evacuation centers will not accept dogs and the ones that do usually require advanced registration. Its good to have a back up plan for you animals.
You don’t want to have an emergency and have no where for your dog to ride it out in safety. Above all else, never go off and leave your pets alone. If it isn’t safe for you to be in your home, it isn’t safe for your pets either.
