Emergency plans for dog owners

Emergency Contingencies for your dogs

Considering all the terrible events surrounding the hurricane
Katrina it brings to mind the importance of having emergency
plans for your dog(s). The information below is intended to help
you “cover all the bases”

1.Firstly, prepare an emergency notification card for your
vehicle. On the card (which you can put in the glove compartment
and carry in your bags or even stick on your vehicle interior,
after it has been LAMINATED) you should have the following
information:

call name(s) of your dog(s) name of your vet and addressed and
phone number your personal wishes should your pet be beyond help
name and phone number of contact persons

your own name, address, and phone dog’s registered name if
applicable dog’s registration number if applicable dog’s ID chip
or tattoo if applicable

dog’s status ( in reference to service dogs, etc.)

copy of vet records (immunizations and booster shots and rabies
tags)

2. Put a buckle collar with identification on the dog. Carry
along a flexi-leash or long leash for exercise and a short leash
for controlled walking.

3.Prepare a safe place within the vehicle. (crate, seat belt,
etc.) Crates should be secured within the vehicle. NEVER plan on
carrying your dog loose in the back of a pickup, use a crate and
make sure the crate is bolted and secured and is COVERED for
shade if it is a wire crate. A tie-up for the dog in the back of
the pickup is NOT suitable. If possible carry a fold-up exercise
pen for setting up at rest areas or on a trip.

4. Prepare an emergency food and water kit. You should carry at
least 5 gallons of water for large breeds and three gallons of
water for small breeds. You should have a four day supply of
food. The water should be kept fresh in the vehicle (re-fresh
every two weeks) The food should be kept closed in an air tight
container. Feeding dishes should be kept in the vehicle along
with a water dish. Along with the food/water supplies make sure
you have adequate numbers of leashes and also weather items such
as coats or covers for the smaller dogs who are sensitive to
cold.

5.Prepare a first aid kit for your dog. Include: vet wraps, one
roll, ascriptin (coated aspirin), benadryl (for bee stings or
bites or allergies), antibiotic ointment, scissors (for cutting
out mats, etc.) grooming equipment such as a comb or a brush,
two small towels or washcloths, an ice pack , a thermometer
(normal temp is 102 degrees, taken rectally) a muzzle (if a dog
is in extreme pain it may bite without warning) for large dogs,
a sling tweezers

As is always the case, for yourself and your pets, it is
important to remember to keep an emergency situation as stress
free as possible. For this reason alone, take your dogs on
frequent trips so that he will be used to travel. (it is also an
excellent idea to feed your dog in different places in your home
or outside on a regular basis) That way, should the need arise,
he will not suffer as much stress as he otherwise might in an
emergency situation.

Good luck and be safe!