Posts Tagged "dog"

72-Hour Emergency Pet Survival Kit

Give yourself some peace of mind now and during possible emergencies by having everything you or someone else will need to take care of your pet in a ready-to-grab bag. You may need to evacuate your home with little warning in a fire or natural disaster or be forced to place your pet in the care of an inexperienced person because of accident or illness. Your pet’s survival kit should be pre-packed in a bag that is easy to carry (with handle or shoulder strap), or a backpack your dog can carry himself should you have your hands full. Keep this kit near the door, so you won’t need to go out of your way to get it.

Here are some suggestions for basic things to put in your pet’s kit:

At least 3 individually packed meals. These meals should be non-perishable. If you use canned food, buy ones with pull-open lids or be sure to include a can opener in the kit. You can also put in unopened bags of dry food or biscuits, but be sure to put in a large clip to keep the bag shut after opening. Drs. Foster and Smith offers healthy canned and dry foods that would be a good option. Check your kit regularly to make sure insects have not invaded the food and replace with fresh food now and then.
Bottled water. Buy sealed bottles of drinking water. Bottles filled at home contain bacteria that will multiply in the container and may reach levels that make your pet ill.
Dishes. Disposable plastic lidded containers are ideal for food and water. You can cover leftovers and won’t have to worry about washing dishes. Buy 4 or more. They can be stacked compactly when empty.
Medications your pet requires. Include labels and prescription information in case you or your pet’s caretaker need to consult a vet who doesn’t know your pet.
Instructions for the care of your pet. Write down basic information as well as your pet’s special needs in case you need to leave him with someone who has little or no experience with animals. Innocent mistakes can be fatal to pets. Be sure to include a list of toxic foods that your pet cannot have.
Contact information for your vet and maybe include the phone numbers and addresses of several other vets in your area.
A blanket and toy if your dog is used to having these things.
Extra set of leash, collar or harness. Even if your cat or dog does not usually use these items, it is extremely important that you do not risk losing you pet during an emergency. Cats are especially prone to panicking and hiding from their owners and should be kept on harness and leash. Do not use a choke chain or training collar as your emergency collar. You may need to tie your pet and he can be fatally strangled by a choke collar even if unattended for only a few minutes.
Extra identification. Have a second ID tag engraved with your name and contact information to have on hand in case your pet loses his original one. You can also buy plastic tags (with safety reflectors) into which you insert contact information.
Contact information for yourself and a few close friends and/or relatives who can take over the care of your pet should it become necessary.

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