With the significant changes in weather happening over the years, we must prepare ourselves for anything that could come our way. We must prepare ourselves for any environmental disaster, from fires to floods and tornadoes. National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day has been put in place to help educate pet owners on staying ready if anything goes wrong.
The environment is very unpredictable, so we will go over what you need to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Always Take Your Pet With You
First and foremost, if you ever need to evacuate your home for any emergencies, always take your pet with you. Don’t ever assume that you can go back and get your cat or dog if you have to leave your home. It can be dangerous in disaster situations if you leave your pet inside.
Keep an Emergency Food Supply At All Times
Keeping an emergency food supply for your dog is wise. Ideally, you want to set food aside to cover meals for at least five to seven days for your pet if anything goes wrong.
It is also helpful for you to keep emergency provisions for yourself and other family members.
In addition to a food, having a supply of emergency water is essential.
Keeping aside an emergency set of food and water bowls can also help speed things along if you have to leave in a hurry.
Keep ID Tags Up To Date and Visible
If your pet’s ID collar is starting to fall apart, it may be time to get a replacement. Always make sure their ID tags are sturdy and secure on collars. Your information on the tag should always be up-to-date and clear as well. Microchipping your pet is always a good idea as well. It adds an extra layer of security for you if your pet becomes separated from you.
Purchase a Pet Carrier
During an emergency, the last thing you want to do is be tangled and trip over leashes. Having your small pet in a carrier can ensure you have a secure place to keep your pet if you need to rush out of your apartment or house.
When you purchase a pet carrier, you’ll want to get your dog comfortable with it first. Let them sniff it, throw some treats inside, and give them lots of praise for acknowledging and going in it! Creating a positive association with the carrier will help your pet become more comfortable.
Don’t Forget Essential Items
To stay prepared for any national disasters, you should include essential items in your emergency kit. You never know what can happen while trying to seek shelter during an emergency. Having blankets and towels can help keep your pet comfortable and warm if the weather is cold, rainy, or snowing. You never know what your pet can step on if they are too big for a carrier, so a pet first aid kit with gauze, bandages, and hydrogen peroxide can come in handy.
You should always take your pet’s medication with you so they don’t fall behind on dosages. It can be dangerous for your pet if they miss medication dosages, especially when dependent on something like insulin. Include a copy of any medical records with medications as well.
Lastly, Practice Your Escape Plan
Trying to figure out how you’re going to evacuate your home during an emergency isn’t the best idea. When you’re scared and frantic, it makes things a lot worse. Determine where your best exits are so you and your pets have the best chance of escaping. Next, practice your evacuation plan with your pet to familiarize them with what to do. You should rehearse this often, so nothing comes as a surprise to you or your pet if anything happens. You can even time yourself and see how fast you can get out of your home the more you practice your escape plan!
During an emergency, being able to communicate with your dog is paramount. Knowing basic commands like “come,” or “stay” can make a huge difference in getting out safely. Contact us for private training lessons if you need to touch upon some basic commands. We can help you reinforce essential commands important in daily life.
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