No one can ever prepare for a pet emergency. After all, that's why they are called emergencies—they are, by nature, unexpected and often distressing. Whether your dog accidentally ingests something harmful, sustains an injury, or faces a natural disaster, the suddenness of these events can be overwhelming. While you can't predict when these situations will occur, you can take proactive measures to be ready to respond immediately.
How prepared are you for an emergency? Having an emergency or disaster preparedness plan ensures you can swiftly provide the necessary care or evacuate safely with your dog. Below is an overview of what to include in your plan:
- Prepare ahead
- List emergency contacts
- Build a pet emergency kit
- Practice evacuation
Emergency Evacuation and Pet Disaster Preparedness Plan
Having a plan can ease the difficulty and stress of making decisions during an emergency. Remember, what's good for you is also good for your pets. In an emergency, such as a hurricane or flood, it's best to stay indoors with your dog. Ensure your dog's first aid kit and other supplies are ready. Consider having a dog grass pee pad with a tray as a bathroom alternative for indoor use, eliminating concerns about where your dog will relieve themselves when confined indoors. If you have to evacuate, bring your pet with you.
Plan Ahead
Have an evacuation plan for your pet: For public health reasons, many public shelters do not allow pets. So, we recommend keeping a list of boarding facilities, animal shelters, or pet-friendly hotels where you can take your dog in an emergency.
Ask for help: Consider coordinating with neighbors, out-of-town friends, or relatives who can assist you and your pet during an emergency. They may be able to provide shelter and care for your pet if you are unable to do so.
Have your dog microchipped: Talk to your vet about microchipping. Ensure that your address and contact information are up-to-date. Consider including additional emergency contact information outside of your immediate area.
List Emergency Contacts
Ensure that your contact list includes emergency phone numbers, including the following:
- Your veterinary clinic
- Nearest emergency animal hospital
- Pet poison helpline
Some veterinary clinics offer boarding services, so it's worth checking if this is an option. Additionally, have the number and address of a vet clinic near you handy, even if it's not your regular clinic, to save time in an emergency. Make sure to include all necessary contact information in your emergency kit.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
A dog emergency kit should include first aid supplies, survival items, and other essentials to keep your pet happy, safe, and comfortable. Start with this list and simply add items that you think will be helpful to get your pet ready for emergencies:
Food and Water: At least a 3-day supply of food sealed in airtight, waterproof containers and fresh water.
Medicine: Enough supply of medications your dog regularly takes, stored in a waterproof container.
Documents: Your dog's medical records include copies of pet registration information, vaccination records, medical history, and pet insurance policy if they have one. Make sure your dog stays up to date with their vaccines. We suggest saving these documents digitally as well. dog journal
Pet First Aid Kit: Talk to your vet about dog first aid kit essentials for treating minor wounds and relieving pain. But at the least, keep some bandage rolls, cotton balls, a vet wrap, an instant hot pack, tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide handy.
Hygiene: Pet shampoo, cleansing wipes, a comb, and a nail cutter. Consider adding dental chews to your list to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy.
Collar with ID, Harness or Leash, and Carrier: Make sure your dog's collar has some form of identification. Ideally, keep an extra harness or leash and a pet crate or carrier for each dog.
Sanitary Items: Waste bags, diapers, pet sprays, and chlorine for cleaning. Gotta Go Grass® provides biodegradable and fully compostable waste bags, which you can conveniently store in a waste bag dispenser.
Family Picture: Keep a photo of you and your dog in the pet emergency kit. It will be useful in case you become separated during a disaster.
Familiar Items: Include your pet's favorite plush toys, treats, or blankets in their emergency kit. These items can help reduce stress during challenging times. Consider adding a treat tumbler or dispenser to provide mental stimulation and combat boredom during confinement.
Practice Evacuation
An emergency situation can be equally stressful for you and your dog. Your pet can sense your emotions and may become nervous, particularly when faced with unfamiliar situations like being placed in a car or an unfamiliar environment.
Engaging your pup in evacuation drills is an effective way to ease their anxiety. Start by placing the carrier in a familiar room at home, and keep the door open. Place their favorite toy or treats inside to encourage them to explore. Remember that it may take a few days or longer for them to become comfortable getting in the carrier.
Once your dog becomes comfortable inside the carrier, take them to the car for short drives. Reward your dog with treats immediately after each ride. These drills can help your dog become accustomed to entering the carrier and traveling in a car calmly, making evacuation less stressful for both of you.
Preparing for Emergencies with Gotta Go Grass®
At Gotta Go Grass®, we are dedicated to keeping your pets happy and healthy. We offer a range of diverse products, including high-quality real grass pads for dogs that provide a natural and convenient bathroom solution that can be used indoors and outdoors. Additionally, we have a variety of accessories, including toys and sanitary products, helping pet owners create a more dog-friendly and sanitary environment for their furry companions.
Our grass pee pads for dogs are also useful in emergencies like natural disasters or evacuations, where outdoor access may be limited. These pads are portable and user-friendly and naturally absorb moisture and odors, lasting up to four weeks between changes. They offer a familiar bathroom surface for dogs, easing the transition to indoor potty. Most importantly, because our grass pads use living grass, they are fully biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them more sustainable for emergency preparedness than fake grass or single-use alternatives.
Pet emergencies can happen anytime. Plan ahead by visiting the Gotta Go Grass® website today to shop for dog grass pads and pet accessories!
