7 Disaster Preparation Tips for Dogs

As we watch natural disasters unfold in different areas around the world it reminds us that we should always be prepared here at home.  That means that we need to have things prepared for our dogs in case of emergencies, too.  Here are some tips on disaster preparation for dogs.

1.  Plan your disaster response for both yourself and your dog.  Design two scenarios:  one for being caught at home for several days without help; and one for having to evacuate with your dog.  Both plans should include supplies (food and medications), knowing where the safest parts of your home are, and knowing your escape routes if you have to leave.

2.  Do your research.  Have multiple destinations and escape routes planned in case you need to use them.  You never know when one route may be cut off.  It’s a good idea to practice a drive through your various routes in case you need to improvise.

3.  Equip your home and your vehicle with emergency supplies and provisions.  You should do this ahead of time and try to keep them stocked.  Supplies should include a readable map with your routes highlighted; waterproof containers for food and medications; plenty of water; bowls; leashes; collapsible carriers or crates.  Remember that you should also have identification for your pet (permanent ID is especially good in case of an emergency), veterinary and/or insurance records for your pet, and a photo and description of your pet in case you are separated.  You should also carry proof of ownership or registration.  You will also need a first aid kid.  The contents of a good first aid kit can generally be used for either people or pets.

4.  Practice emergency situations and include your pet.  It’s good to drill for emergencies that could occur in your area.  Try to work on doing things quickly.  You can also practice home drills such as taking cover in your basement.

5.  Add, subtract and check on your supplies regularly.  Remember that some of your medications may become ineffective or toxic after their expiration date.  Food can go bad.  Even your stored water may need to be replaced.  Check all of your supplies and replace anything that needs to be replaced.

6.  Review your plans and preparations regularly.  Your destinations may change and your routes may need to be altered. Your maps may need to be changed.  Always try to keep your vehicle in good repair with gas in the tank.

7.  Establish a good relationship with the local authorities in your area.  These authorities include the offices of emergency management and local dog clubs.  During times of emergency jurisdiction falls to local authorities.  They make decisions about emergency plans and keep people informed.  It’s also helpful to be in touch with local dog clubs since they may have information that you need in case of emergency.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) was passed by congress in 2006 and signed into law.  PETS requires states seeking assistance from FEMA to accommodate pets and service animals in their plans for evacuating residents facing disasters.

5 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun.  You can enjoy seeing new things and doing things together.  Many dogs enjoy traveling.  These days many hotels welcome dogs as guests.  But if you’re going to be traveling with your dog there are some things you can do to make your trip a success.  Here are some tips:

1.  Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations before setting out on your trip.  Some areas can require you to show proof of your dog’s vaccinations if they ask so take your dog’s rabies certificate as well as having him wear his tags.  Rabies shots are required throughout the United States, so be sure that your dog is current on his rabies vaccination.  Besides the requirement, you never know what diseases may be present in the areas where you’ll be traveling.  It’s best to have your dog protected in case you encounter something unhealthy for your dog.

2.  When you travel your dog should wear a good collar with identification tags.  Even if your dog has a microchip, your dog should wear tags when he’s on vacation.  If your dog were to become lost (Heaven forbid!), and someone found him, it’s possible that they wouldn’t know to check for a microchip.  However, tags are always immediately recognizable.  Tags should have your name and current address and phone numbers on them.  You can also include your vet’s phone number or another number where people will know how to contact you.

Microchips are still good.  Collars can come off or be removed.  In that case, a shelter or vet scanning your dog can find the microchip and be able to contact you.

3.  When you travel with your dog take some water from home or buy bottled water on your trip.  A dog’s stomach can be easily upset when traveling.  Drinking strange water on the trip can cause diarrhea or other stomach upsets.  Taking your own water or buying bottled water can keep your dog feeling good and prevent you from having to do some clean up.

4.  Take your dog’s food with him on the trip.  Even if your dog eats a national brand of pet food there are variations in batches and lots.  It’s best to continue to feed your dog from the same bag or cans you bought at home to avoid stomach upset.  If your dog eats a food that’s hard to find then you can’t count on finding it when you travel.

5.  Crate your dog while he rides in the vehicle.  Whether you have a car, van, truck or any other kind of vehicle, you should crate your dog when he’s traveling with you.  Allowing your dog to ride lose in the car is not very safe for him.  Riding in a crate is the safest way for your dog to travel.  A hard-sided airline crate is usually the safest kind of crate for travel.  If you are in an accident you dog won’t go flying through the vehicle.  If he’s in the crate he will be as protected as possible.

Don’t choose a crate that’s too large.  If the crate is too big then your dog will be slung around in the crate if there is an impact.  Instead, choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand and lie down.  This will protect him in case of an accident.

There are many other things to remember when you travel with your dog:  remember to bring a can opener if you feed canned food.  Remember to bring your dog’s dinner dishes.  Remember to bring paper towels for any clean up.  Remember to bring your dog’s bed if he has a favorite dog bed.  The list is endless!  It’s like traveling with a baby.

There are some things that you can pick up on the way if you forget them at home, but if you remember to have your dog up-to-date on his shots, wear a good collar with current ID, bring water from home (or bottled water), bring his food, and crate him while he rides, you should have a great -- and safe -- trip.