With Hurricane Florence on its way, pet owners across the nation thinking about how to help prepare their pets for emergencies and natural disasters. Here’s what you should be keeping in your pet emergency kit!
For All Pets
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book
- Self-Cling Bandages (which stick to itself but not to your pet’s fur)
- Muzzle (to prevent biting; even if you have the sweetest pet, pain or fear can make them more likely to bite you)
- Gauze Pads and Rolls
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Cotton Balls
- Ice Pack
- Disposable Gloves (preferably Non-Latex)
- Blanket
- Tweezers
- Towels
- An emergency supply of any medications your pet is on
- Ask your veterinarian for any additional items specific to your pet’s needs
- Proper ID tags on each of your animals
- 7-14 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (switch out for new cans or bags of food every couple of months)
- 14 days’ worth of bottled water for each pet (in addition to enough bottled water for each person)
- Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
- Sturdy crate or carrier for each pet
- Paper towels
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Flashlight
- Extra Blankets
- Recent photos of you with your pet (In case you need to make Lost posters or to help in proving your ownership)
- Copies of your pet’s medical records in a waterproof bag (keep in mind to update these after each veterinary appointment)
- Copies of your ownership documents (dog licenses, proof of purchase from the shelter, etc.) in a waterproof bag
- A list of phone numbers, addresses, and directions to:
- Your regular veterinarian
- The closest emergency veterinary hospitals
- The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-800-426-4435)
- Any pet-friendly local hotels, emergency shelters, and animal boarding facilities that could house your pet in an emergency.
For Cats:
- Pillowcase (to transport them in or to use to catch them if they’re stressed)
- Disposable litter trays (Low cut cardboard boxes or aluminum pans work well)
- 14 days’ supply worth of litter
- Toys (especially scratching toys)
- An empty box (because boxes are fun and entertaining)
For Dogs:
- Extra leash
- Extra collar and/or harness
- Toys
- Chew toys/sticks
- 7-14 days’ worth of potty pads for their cages
- Pee pads
- If your dog strongly prefers grass, consider placing sod inside of a cheap kiddie pool so they do not risk going outside during the storms.
Bonus Items:
- Nail trimmers
- An appropriate brush
- Activated Charcoal/Milk of Magnesium
- Additional set of ID tags
Here at Emerald Animal Hospital, pet health is our top priority. We wish safety to all those who are affected by the oncoming storm. If you have further questions about your pet’s emergency kit or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 216-688-3737.