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What Should be in Your Dog Emergency Kit?
Eric M. Cryan, D.V.M.
I often think about Ben Franklin’s quote
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to
fail.“ These words ring true when it comes
to our four-legged fur kids as well, so preparing
an emergency kit in advance is critical should a
need arise. What to include should obviously be
tailored to your situation and your dog, but here
are some key essentials that should fi t inside every
doggie emergency bag. They are grouped into
three general categories.
The Basics: Just as we need food, water, and
shelter during an emergency, these basic necessities
cannot be overlooked for our pooch. Having
enough nutrients, medications, and preventatives
to last for a reasonable period of time is vital. In
addition, bring a dog bed or crate so he or she can
feel comfortable and/or be confi ned. Collapsible
crates and collapsible food and water dishes are
preferable to minimize space. Include a leash,
collar, and dog ID tags with your equipment,
as these are necessary for basic care and safety
regardless of the situation.
Documentation: Paperwork is generally not
the fi rst thing one thinks of in an emergency, so
it can often be overlooked. Keep hard copies of
all important pet information in a folder in a
waterproof ziplock bag. Our practice, like many
others, keeps an electronic medical record that we
email clients so they can access their pet’s medical
history including prior appointments, previous
laboratory results, medications prescribed, and
their vaccine history and reminders. I recommend
printing out a hard copy of key information
and keeping it in this folder so it is readily
accessible during an emergency when internet
and cellular service may be unreliable. A picture
with your dog’s name, contact information,
normal feeding schedule, and any medications
they are on should also be included. In addition
to your dog’s medical history, keeping contact
information for your primary veterinarian, emergency
veterinary hospital, Animal Poison Control
number (888-426-4435), and even prior boarding
facilities or a family friend who cared for him or
her is helpful in case you are unable to take your
dog with you in the given situation. Having this
information at hand so other people can locate it
is important to ensure continuity of care for our
canine companions when an emergency occurs.
First Aid Kit: It is impossible for any fi rst
aid kit to treat every emergency, but here are
some basics to keep at home and take with you
should the need arise. As an owner of Retrievers
and a veterinarian who has performed plenty of
foreign body surgeries, I am acutely aware that
dogs can and will eat anything. In these instances,
if Animal Poison Control or your veterinarian
recommends inducing vomiting, hydrogen
peroxide often can be used to induce emesis. For
cuts, scrapes, and punctures one should have
gauze, triple antibiotic ointment, and vet wrap to
cover the wound prior to seeking further medical
attention. An Elizabethan collar
(E-collar) to prevent self-trauma can stop
a minor problem from escalating into a major
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