Preparing Your Pets

Preparing Your Pets

Get a Pet Emergency Supply Kit

Just as you do with your family's emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Available are Emergency Cat and Dog food with 5 year shelf life.

Water: Store at least three days of water, 1/2 Gallon of water per day for each pet in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.

Medicines and Medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

First Aid Kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Most kits should include Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.

Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet's emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as micro chipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.

Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet's sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not uses scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners.

A picture of you and your pet together: If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Two Pet Emergency Kits that have all the supplies you need in it are the CATastrophy Kit and the DOGoneIT Kit.

This information was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with: American Kennel Club, The American Society for the Prevent ion of Cruelty to Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association and The Humane Society of the U .S.

First Aid Tip for Pet Owners

AVMA's First Aid Tips for Pet Owners

What would you do if

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

...your cat had a seizure right in front of you? ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet. Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.

How to handle an injured pet Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.

Basic pet first aid procedures Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.

First aid when traveling with your pet A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.

Pets and disasters Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet

American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets

VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care