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Is Your Dog Prepared For an Emergency?

These tips will get your dog included in your emergency preparedness plans.

by Steve Johnson, staff
July 22, 2004

In the event of some kind of disaster, natural or man-made, are you prepared to protect your pet? If an fire, flood, earthquake or hurricane struck your home, do you have a plan that includes your faithful companion?

Having the proper resources and knowledge can mean the difference between life and death when it comes saving your dog from unfavorable consequences. Each year, hundreds of pets are lost during natural disasters, and many are never reunited with their owners due to the chaos and lack of proper identification.

Dr. Peter Weinstein, medical director at Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), and Dr. Aine McCarthy, director of veterinary marketing at VPI, released a list of steps and supplies to get your dog included in your emergency plans. Dr. Weinstein says, "Having an emergency plan in place will ensure you and your pet make it through difficult situations."

1. Do not leave pets behind during an evacuation. If you must evacuate without your pets, leave enough food and water out to last at least 48 hours. Post a note for rescue workers detailing the number and type of pets.

2. Have a pet carrier and leash readily accessible.

3. Bring pets indoors during an emergency. Natural disasters such as a wildfire can produce unhealthy air and dangerous debris.

4. Know the location and numbers of emergency animal care facilities in your area.

5. Make sure your pet is microchipped or registered through an identification program.

6. Many emergency shelters cannot accept pets for health reasons. Identify local animal shelters or hotels that allow you to bring your pets.

7. Should you be separated from your pet, log onto Rescuers.com for a listing of animal shelters in your area. Visit shelters regularly and bring a photo and veterinary records to identify your animal.

8. Should an injury to your pet result in severe bleeding apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes (continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will hamper the clotting). Avoid bandages that cut off circulation. Call your veterinarian immediately.

9. Pack a Pet First Aid Kit, in the event that your pet becomes ill or injured. The First Aid Kit should include vaccination records, photos of your pet and your veterinarian's phone number in a waterproof bag. Additionally, the following should be included:

   • Gauze for wounds or to muzzle the animal
   • Pet food & bottled water
   • Pet prescription medication
   • Adhesive tape
   • Nonstick bandages, towels and cloth
   • Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
   • Activated charcoal to absorb poison
   • Large syringe (without needle) or eyedropper to give oral treatments
   • Muzzle (for dogs)

   • Stretcher (board, blanket or floor mat)

10. Sign up for a pet insurance policy. "Finances are the last thing you want to worry about when trying to help your pet in distress," says Dr. McCarthy.

Veterinary Pet Insurance is the nation's oldest and largest health insurance plan for pets. The company was founded in 1980 to help end "economic euthanasia" of pets and is committed to making veterinary medicine affordable for all pet owners. VPI plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Visit their website at: http://www.petinsurance.com/

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