Did you know the second Sunday of May is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day? It's important to have a well-stocked dog's emergency kit in case of accidents or health issues.
From forest fires to earthquakes to tornadoes (and, sadly, the list goes on), natural disasters can strike when we least expect them. Even smaller disasters (like floods and house fires) can require you to leave your home!
That’s why a little preparation goes a long way…
Creating an emergency plan and dog's emergency kit stocked with essential items could save your life if you ever need to make a quick getaway — and you definitely shouldn’t leave your four-legged family members out of the equation.
To quote the American Red Cross, “If it's not safe for you to stay home, it's not safe for your pet either!”
If the thought of having to abandon your pup in an emergency instead of bringing them with you to safety scares the bejesus out of you, you’ll want to get started on making your pet evacuation plan and pet emergency kit ASAP.
In this blog, we’re talking about what to put in your dog's emergency kit.
Different sources have different suggestions but these are 5 groups of items that should definitely be included in a dog's emergency kit:
- Vet and vaccination records in waterproof bags (like Ziploc) including your vet’s contact information, as well as any other emergency contact information
- Pet first aid kit
- Enough dog food and bottled water (with a bowl) to last at least 72 hours, if not longer. (If you’re a raw-feeder, you’ll want to have a shelf-stable option like our Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites.)
- Garbage bags and disinfectant wipes for waste disposal
- Extra collar and leash
Once you’ve packed a grab-and-go bag with these essentials, add stuff that’s specific to your pet’s individual needs. Does your dog take medication? Bring it with you. Does your bud have special toys, treats, or blankets that would make him or her more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation? Definitely bring those too. Do you ever use a cage or carrier? It’ll surely make the process easier if you have it with you.
Some items can double up as part of your own human emergency kit and your dog’s pet emergency kit — for example, a flashlight and paper towels.
You may also want to pack photos of you with your pets in case they get lost and you need to identify them.
You should check on your kit every six months or so to make sure everything is up to date and to replace any food that’s gone bad!
While you’re at it, make sure the tags on your pet’s collar are up-to-date and/or microchip your pet because, as good as emergency kits are, it’s always better to have a plan b… especially when it means keeping our furry best buds out of danger.
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay curious #healthygang!
Lots of love,
- The healthybud team
