Most humans have a plan in place for themselves in the event of an emergency, and you must have one in place for your pets as well. Pet owners need to be ready in case of an emergency, the following guide will help with emergency preparedness:
Make Sure You Have a Pet First-Aid Kit
Most emergency situations will require a first aid kit which should include:
– Tweezer
– Leash or Slip-Lead
– Gauze
– Bandage Scissor
– Tongue compression sticks (or other material ready to make a splint)
– Pet Self-Adhesive Bandage
– Break to use Heat / Ice Packs
– Syringe with Saline
– Wet Wipes (scent free)
– Cotton Pads
– Medical Tape
– Blanket or Towel
– Disposable Gloves
– Travel Bowls
– Thermometer
– Corn starch (used to aid in clotting minor bleeds from injuries such as a torn nail)
* TIP Ensure all your items are “Ready to Go!” in an easy access area of your home or vehicle.
Create a Pet Evacuation Checklist
Evacuations can be very stressful, but creating a checklist for your pet in advance will make sure nothing is forgotten. Creating an easy access checklist will aid yourself or others who regularly watch your pets.
– List of your pet medications, preventions
– Food and Water that will last each pet 2 weeks
– Your contact information, emergency contact information, your vet’s phone number
– Important documents in a folder for each pet such as vaccination records, medical alerts and behavioural notes. Ensure to attach an updated photo of your pet to their files!
– Important pet supplies such as leashes, harness, crates/ carriers, blankets, pee pads, bedding, bowls, first aid kit.
*TIP Try to keep everything you need in one easy access area. Keep back-up supplies and extra copies of records togethers so it is Ready to Go in your home or vehicle incase of an urgent emergency.
Make Sure Your Pet is Up-to-Date on Vaccinations
Failure to provide proof of vaccination records will not open a lot of doors, but keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccines will not only protect your pet from conditions like rabies, distemper and more, but it will also increase their chances of being admitted into a relief shelter and kennel. Without this information, it can be very difficult to find a safe place for your dog during an emergency which would make your situation a lot harder.
Don’t Forget About Unexpected Emergencies
Not all emergencies happen at home, and you need to prepare for the unexpected. Pet owners should have a go-bag in their car for their pet, which should include a first aid kit, pet food and water, veterinary paperwork, contact information for your veterinary clinic and a carrier, crate and leash.
Consider Additional Steps
Notify your family about the details of your emergency plan and what you plan to do with your pet in the event of an evacuation or emergency situation. If you have more than one pet, you must be able to arrange transportation of several animals, and you need to have enough food for all of them, along with any additional supplies that would help ease the situation.
Factor in Your Pet’s Personality
If you need to go into a crowd but know that your dog struggles in crowded environments, pack a crate and maybe a muzzle for your dog if you think that would help with safety and protection. You can also place a blanket or towel over their crate to give your pet some privacy, as this may help them feel calm. Just make sure they do not overheat, and do this only if it is cool in your location.
Discuss Your Plan With Animal Clinic of East Durham
Our veterinary team will provide you with professional advice regarding emergency preparedness and will discuss the steps you can take to preserve the integrity of your pet’s medication and what you can do if it loses potency. It is also recommended to add authorized contacts to your file incase of emergency. This person will be someone you would trust to make decisions for your pet or access their records on your behalf should you be unreachable. This kind of information is very valuable and will help tremendously in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
Are you in the process of putting together a disaster plan for your pet? Animal Clinic of East Durham can help! If you are looking for a reputable veterinary clinic, our team is always available to help!
Contact our clinic at any time to schedule an appointment with our veterinarians! Call (905) 697-7771.
