The new year is here. The beginning of a new year is always a great time for reflection and setting new goals. With so many different kinds of emergencies that can happen, an excellent goal is to make sure you have a emergency survival kit and plan put together for both humans and pets. A little planning ahead can make those unforeseen emergencies a little less stressful.
First get a Rescue Alert Sticker that will alert rescue workers (like fire fighters) that there are animals in the house that need rescuing. You can check your local pet shop for a rescue alert sticker or you can request one for free from the ASPCA on their website (www.aspca.org, in their Disaster Preparedness section). Then post this sticker at every entrance to your house.
You should also have an evacuation plan in place and make sure that plan includes where you would go with your pets in the event of an evacuation – never leave your pets behind. In the wake of the Hurricane Katrina, when so many people where forced to leave their pets behind, Congress decided to pass the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. The new law requires state and local disaster preparedness plans to take into account the needs of individuals with household pets, including establishing shelters to accommodate people with pets. This law is new and your community’s disaster plan might not be updated yet, so it is still a good idea to have a back-up location you can go other than a shelter.
Next, put together an emergency kit. Here’s a list of some essentials to include. Put everything together in a plastic bin and store it along with your human emergency supplies.
First Aid Manual: First Aid for Dogs, What to Do When Emergencies Happen by Bruce Fogle, D.V.M. ($9.95, ISBN 0140255419) is an excellent guide that has instructions on what to do during a variety of emergency medical situations. All information is easy to find and understand, including the basics of first aid, from cleansing wounds to CPR as well as situations what to do in situations such as heart failure, puncture wounds, drowning and seizures. I keep a copy in with my first aid kit as well as taking one with me whenever we go camping or backpacking.
Food & Water: Have a one week supply of food & water and non-breakable bowls (don’t forget a can opener if you’re including canned food). Dog food doesn’t last forever, so replace dry food every six months and canned food every year.
Pictures and a written description of your dog incase he gets lost or separated from you. You should also look into microchipping your dog as it greatly increases the probability that if separated you will be reunited with your dog.
From your vet: Vaccination and health records along with a stash of any medications your dog needs. Also have your vet’s name and phone number included in the paperwork. Keep any paperwork and photos safe in a ziplock bag.
First Aid Kit: A basic kit should contain a rectal thermometer, lubrication jelly, hydrogen peroxide, scissors with rounded tips, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, Rescue Remedy, activated charcoal (for poisoning) and a soft muzzle (even if your dog is normally non-aggressive disaster situations can be very stressful and your dog might behave erratically). Check with your vet for what medications he or she recommends you include (i.e. antihistamine tablets, Diarsanyl, antibiotic ointment).
Miscellaneous: Spare collar, harness, leash and identification tags. Blankets, towels and dog bedding. A spare kennel or pet carrier can also come in very handy.
Challenge yourself to put together most or all of a dog emergency kit by the end of the month. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but if you do you’ll be grateful you took the time to be prepared.
