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Monday, December 3, 2012

10 Items For Your Pets Emergency Kit

Original Article

ten-items-for-your-pets-emergency-kit
Just as you do with your family’s emergency kit, when it comes to your pets, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Then, consider keeping two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. It should go without saying that YOU should have YOUR OWN emergency kit(s) too! Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Food. Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. This should be enough to get wherever you are going, 72 hours. You need to factor much more for your ‘stay at home’ kit, particularly since it is much easier to find space to store items at home than while on the road.
Water. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family. For on the road, a small ‘Tupperware’ type small bowl with a snap-on seal cover is good for keeping and not wasting the pets water in between uses.
Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container. Copies of records in the kit is a good idea too.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. You may consider a pet first aid reference book.
Collar with ID tag, harness and leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. In addition, keep in your kit… copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, and vaccination documents and medical records in a zip-lock plastic bag or waterproof container.
Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
Blanket. This can be for the crate and/or for your pets comfort.
Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach for disinfectant solution), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water… Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners.
A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

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