Your Pet's Go-to Emergency Kit

It's difficult to think about emergencies as a pet owner, yet they do happen. Even if you don't live in an area prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, or tornadoes, you should have a pet care plan in place in case you have to evacuate, shelter in place or have a medical emergency related to your pet.

Making an emergency kit or go-to bag for your pet so they always have what they need is one of the most critical parts of pet preparedness. Here's a handy checklist to help you put together the essentials for a pet emergency pack.

• What to include in my pet's First Aid Kit?

Almost any container can be used to make a pet emergency kit. Online pet preparedness kits are also available. Most pet parents, on the other hand, utilise a backpack, rucksack, or other sorts of transportable carrier that can hold multiple items and be readily picked up.

Although cat and dog emergency kits should contain many of the same supplies, there are some distinctions. A cat emergency kit, for example, might include cat litter, but a dog emergency kit might include an extra-long leash.

In any case, make sure you're prepared for a 72-hour emergency. Gather enough resources to care for and safeguard your pet for at least three days. Here's what you should put inside your kit:

• Food, water, and medications are all necessities:

Make sure you have everything you need for your pet to eat, drink, and survive a 72-hour emergency in your go-bag, including:

- Pet food for a week to two weeks

- Water that can be transported

- A collapsible dish 

- A complete supply of medications

- A list of all of the pet's medications, as well as when they should be administered.

- A supply of snacks

- Pill pouches (if needed)

Make sure the food, water, and medications in your kit haven't expired regularly. If you don't have access to an extra supply of medication, cycle new medications into your pet's emergency pack as they become available.

You may be tempted to leave the water out because it is heavy to handle. Even if you think you'll have access to water in an emergency, it's always a good idea to have some additional water on hand.

• Supplies for Pet First Aid:

In case of an emergency, it's always a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your home. However, you should make a second one for your pets. Here are some items to consider for your pet's first aid kit:

• Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 3%
• Tape (adhesive)
• Alcohol wipes or swabs
• A turkey baster or an oral syringe
• Antibacterial ointment or spray
• Cotton balls or swabs - clean gloves
• Benadryl or diphenhydramine (antihistamine)
• Ice packs - Gauze roll
• A pet's first aid manual
• Detergent or soap that is safe for pets
• Eye saline solution
• A pair of scissors with a blunt end
• Styptic powder is a type of styptic powder that is used to treat (to stop bleeding)
• Tweezers 
• Towels
• Medical supplies in a waterproof container

Check your pet's first aid supplies regularly and replace them as needed. Opened bottles or canisters of first-aid items should not be included, as they might quickly expire.

• Items for Pet Care That Aren't Cats or Dogs:

In your pet's emergency pack, you should also include some non-essential goods. Prioritise the necessities first, such as a dog's additional leash and collar. Some supplies, such as blankets, may not appear to be necessary. However, if you have to travel or don't have access to basic facilities like running water, heat, or power, these may make your pet more comfortable. 

Here's a list of things to include:

• A blanket or a pet bed is a great way to keep your pet warm.
• Cat litter and a litter pan
• Extra identifying tags for your pet
• Grooming supplies
• Collar and leash or harness
• Towels made of paper
• Protective paws (for walking on ice or snow)
• Pads for pee
• Life jacket for your pet
• Photographs of you and your pet are required (in case you get separated)
• Waste bags made of plastic
• Extra batteries for a little flashlight
• Their favourite toy
• Warm clothing 

You can find all these products at pawsindia.com

Consider microchipping your pet as a disaster preparedness strategy if you haven't already. Getting separated from pets during a natural disaster is heartbreaking. If your pet has a microchip, anyone who finds them can bring them to a local animal shelter to be scanned and reunited with you.

Documentation for Pets in Case of Emergencies:

Any important pet documentation should be included in your emergency kit. If something happens to you, these documents could save your pet's life, especially if they are injured or distressed:

•         Your veterinarian's contact information:

-   Number to call

-   The name of the veterinarian

-   The veterinarian's clinic's name

-   The clinic's address is

-   Local emergency veterinary clinics' contact information

•         Personal information:

-   Name

-   Address 

-   Emergency contact person (if you are not available) 

•         Legal trust documentation (who should care for your pet if you are unable to do so)
•         Medical files
•         Evidence of ownership
•         Encourage the documenting of animals (if applicable)
•         Documentation of vaccinations
•         Documents are stored in a waterproof container.

Depending on your pet's demands, you may need to send extra documentation. You can, for example, write detailed instructions on how to care for your pet if you are unable to do so yourself. You can also submit details about your pet's medical history, behaviour, and medical issues.

• Tips for Pet Preparedness

Once you've put together your pet emergency kit, you might be inclined to forget about disaster preparedness. However, if you bring home extra pets, make sure your kit includes supplies for them as well. Many of the things in your kit may need to be updated regularly.

For example, depending on the brand, unused home batteries might last anywhere from five to twenty years in storage. Over time, medications, cleansers, and other packaged goods may lose their effectiveness.

Before you seal up your pet emergency kit, double-check all of the content’s expiration dates. You may also schedule a check of your pet's emergency kit on your calendar.

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