Emergency essentials for pets, when a disaster strikes, are as important as emergency supplies for your family.
Our Bichons are like family, but, in an emergency, they can get lost or left behind if you are not prepared to take care of them.
When a disaster strikes, things happen fast. You may have to quickly leave your home to seek safety. Or you may be evacuated to a shelter.
Dogs are often not welcome at emergency shelters. And, if you travel very much, you know that dogs are not always welcome at motels and hotels, either.
In an emergency, you won’t have the luxury of choosing a pet friendly hotel, at your leisure. You may have to look for any port in a storm–whether or not the hotel accepts pets.
Natural Disasters
We live in uncertain times, with more natural disasters than in the past, civil unrest in many countries, and even the threat of new diseases emerging as pandemics.
Taking a little time to make sure that you have a plan for your Bichon Frise, and a supply of dog food and water, just in case there is an emergency, just makes sense!
If you take care of this now, when you are not stressed or under pressure. You will have the security of knowing that, no matter what happens, your beloved Bichon Frise dog will be safe and cared for…
Hurricanes
If you live near the coastline and a hurricane warning for your area is issued, you may have to evacuate. Most evacuation shelters will not accept pets. Take time now to prepare for a hurricane in your area.
If you have to tough it out at home, you may have more than a few inconveniences.
A few years ago we lived along the coast in Virginia and our home was in a hurricane zone.
After a hurricane, we lived without electricity for 2 weeks before it was restored. No air conditioning, no showers, no stove, no refrigeration, no hot water, no lights, no washing machine or dryer, no well or septic system. And of course, no TV, radio or phone service.
Tornadoes
At least, with a hurricane, you have a warning. A tornado strikes quickly, and you may have no warning at all.
Your neighborhood could be destroyed, or you might be without power, water and waste removal for an extended period of time. Or you may simply have to “rough it” for awhile after a severe thunderstorm or winter storm knocks out the electrical power in your area for several hours or a day.
No matter what the emergency, it pays to be ready—for both your family and your Bichon! Make sure you have those emergency essentials for pets at hand.
Make an Emergency Pet Supplies Kit
You need to have a plan in place for what you will do with your Bichon Friese if you have to go into a shelter, or if you cannot take care of him yourself.
Just like your emergency preparedness kit, your pet needs one too. Put everything together, so if you need it, you can just hand the pet supply kit to your dog or cat’s caretaker. Or grab it and take it with you.
Your Pet’s Physical Needs
Here are some emergency essentials for pets that should be included:
Emergency food storage supply
1-2 weeks of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Use a clean garbage can to store more, if you are preparing for a longer time. Include any other food needs for your pets to keep your dog healthy. For example, if they take supplements or vitamins, include those.
Emergency Water Storage
You should have a water storage supply for your family, in case your city water is off or the electricity goes off and your well stops pumping. Store emergency water for your pets, as well. Use water storage containers, and it will be easy to store.
Travel Crate
A small dog travel pen can be used to transport your pet, and it can also serve as a bed if your dog or cat will be spending time in someone else’s home. It’s a familiar and comfortable place for your pet. Our dog Skipper has a travel pen that also serves as her bed at home. Her pen sits at the foot of our bed, and when we travel, we take her familiar and “safe” bed with us.
Medicines and Medical Records
If your pet takes medicine, make sure you have good instructions and a supply of medicine for your cat or dog. Include the name and phone number of his veterinarian.
Toys
Favorite toys are comforting, and your pet will behave better if she has toys to occupy her time.
Dog Treats
include some of your dog or cat’s favorite treats. Pack them in an airtight, waterproof container to keep them fresh. Your dog considers treats to be essential.
Tru Dog Calm Me Treats – Whether you dog tends to be anxious and excitable or not, it’s a good idea to include some treats that help keep her calm. Dogs pick up on your emotions, and your dog is bound to feel some anxiety. The treats will help keep your dog calm and relaxed. Not for cats, though, as they contain tryptophan.
Keeping Track of Your Pet
Of course you will want to make sure that you don’t lose your dog. Here are a few things for you to consider:
Collar with Tags
This should be on your pet. The rabies tag and a pet ID tag will be important, so make sure they are on the collar. If you take your Bichon Frise to a shelter, you will need to prove that she has been vaccinated for rabies. And, most important, if you are separated from her, you want your dog’s ID tag to include information on how to reach you.
Leash
Even if your dog is used to going outside without a leash, you should include one, as your pet may not listen to someone who is not his owner. A dog leash simplifies taking your dog outside, for the caretaker.
Documents
Emergency essentials for pets should include copies of medical and vaccination records, adoption papers, and a photo of you with your pet. Just in case you are separated, or your dog’s caretaker has to ask another person to watch your pet. You want to be able to prove that you are the owner of your Bichon. Store these documents with your family emergency documents in a waterproof document holder. They should be in a convenient location, in case you need to leave in a hurry. You might want to place your own important documents in holders like these, so you can take them with you quickly, if necessary.
Someone to Dog Sit Your Dog
Arrange for a caretaker now. If you know who will be taking care of your pet during an emergency, it will give you peace of mind. Don’t overlook this detail, or you may spend a lot of time worrying about it.
Prepare now for any possible situations. No one knows when a natural disaster or emergency could occur.
Take a few minutes now to collect these emergency essentials for pets. Make sure that your pet will have everything that she will need.
In addition, make a list of things you can assemble quickly so your pet’s caretaker will have everything they need to make their job easy. This is the best insurance that you can provide.
Then, no matter what happens, you will know that your pet will be cared for, in comfort.
More information on how to care for your Bichon Frise.
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