How Can You Plan for Your Dog in a Natural Disaster

Whether we like it or not, natural disasters strike…they are not limited to any one region of the country, they can, and do, strike everywhere, whether it’s as simple as a power outage, or snow storm or as major as an earthquake or hurricane. They can leave us stranded or cause us to evacuate, they dictate that we need to be prepared.

You can prepare for yourself with extra water, emergency food, first aid, escape routes and family meeting places, but what about your dog? He/she is an important part of your family who depends on you to make sure you have prepared for him also.

Whenever a disaster occurs, countless innocent animals find themselves homeless and on their own, scrounging for food and shelter, things they have never had to deal with before. Since you’re preparing for yourself and your family anyway, take a little extra time and prepare for your best friend also.

Emergency Preparedness Suggestions for Your Dog:

• Be sure your dog is always “carrying” his ID, whether it’s in the form of a microchip or a tag on his collar. In the event that you do get separated, you will have a better chance of being re-united.
  • In addition to your dog’s ID, you should always carry a picture to share with others of who you’re looking for.
• In case your dog needs to be rescued while you’re not around, display a decal near your front door, alerting responders to look for Fido.
  • If you are the one trying to rescue your dog, be sure you know where his “safe place” is located, that’s probably where you’ll find him.
• Along with your own emergency supplies, prepare an emergency kit for your dog also. Some good ideas to include are:
  • 3 days worth of food, stored in a waterproof container. Just as you do with your own food supply, you should rotate the food  in the kit to keep it fresh. A few treats might come in very handy.
  • Bottled water (several days’ worth) – because your dog will not understand that the food and water may need to be rationed, that will be up to you to monitor.
  • Food and water bowls
  • Any medicine your dog may take regularly and first aid supplies in case of an injury
    • Your first aid kit could contain: gauze for bandaging, hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting and milk of magnesia for absorbing poison in case Fido eats something he shouldn’t.
    • It is also a good idea to have a copy of medical and vaccination records
  • Leash
  • Supplies to take care of waste clean up
• You may want to have a dog crate easily accessible. Your dog may be stressed or over anxious, and this would be a good way to contain him for his own safety sake.
  • Because he will more than likely be stressed, it would be a good idea to include a comfort item such as a blanket, a chew toy, or favorite stuffed animal.

A well trained dog will be a better companion during an emergency.

We believe that the most effective method of dog training revolves around teaching your dog what you want them to do, how to behave, how to act in their environment, and what appropriate behaviors are under given circumstances and situations.

Check out our Family Friendly Training Classes.