Mike’s Doghouse

Winter is here in the U.S. South. We’ve already had several snows and a long drawn out cold “snap”. Hurricane season is over just as blizzard season begins. There are things any pet owner should have on hand for emergencies either season can bring.

One of the few good things brought about by Hurricane Katrina and Rita is that groups finally realized the lengths people will go to in order to keep their pets safe. Many humans and pets died because there was no where to go together. Animal shelters were overwhelmed by the number of dropoffs. As a result of this and more, disaster assistance groups have now changed their policies to include pets.

There are things you need to have on hand for emergencies. There are so many different kinds (medical emergency, weather emergency, toxic spill, etc) that it would seem a fully prepared kit would weigh more than the dog! You should have first aid kit on hand just because cuts happen regularly. An evacuation kit would be for if you had to leave the home. While you are getting the dog kits together, make one for yourselves, too!

Lists of stuff to have in a kit:

CanisMajor has a list of the basics to keep on hand in your dog first aid kit.

PetEducation.com, part of Drs. Foster and Smith, has another, more comprehensive list for the kit. They also have a list of stuff to have for an evacuation kit.

The Humane Society also has a list for a first aid kit as well as a disaster/evacuation kit and advice.

American Red Cross has a section dedicated to Animal Safety. This includes the suggestions for a pet first aid kit. (Also make sure you know about the “Preparedness Information for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities“)

The American Veterinarian Medical Association has a section on evacuation and first aid.

Already prepared kits/books:

The Humane Society’s Pet First Aid book
Outdoor Safety has several different human and canine first aid kits (be sure to read why the company exists)
Cabela’s has 3 Sporting Dog first aid kits

Some simple things you can do:

Get the basics together and remember where it is. Hang it with the leashes (make sure you have a leash or carrying crate for each animal) and leave it there. Check it once a year or so to ensure nothing has gone beyond its expiration date.
Microchip your pets. If you get separated, you can be re-connected when it is safe. Make sure one of the contact persons is away from your region so that in the case of a weather emergency, there is someone who can be reached.
Read up on preparedness. Get ideas and then follow through on them. Being prepared is the best thing you can do for yourselves and for your furkids.