The last thing you want to have to worry about is being unprepared in an emergency. Preparing for an emergency can drastically impact your response time, potentially saving a life. To make certain you’ve covered the essentials, let’s review what you should know in the event of a pet emergency. While your plans may not be implemented, they will ensure that you are completely prepared in the case of an emergency.
How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency
Take these precautions to ensure that your pet is prepared for an emergency well in advance of when one occurs.
Make a plan.
Pet emergencies are not necessarily limited to pets. Local emergencies such as house fires, severe weather, and other occurrences are possible. Your emergency plan should include details such as where to keep a pet if you are unable to return home, who will look after them until you arrive, and how to contact crucial folks. Advance planning can help keep both you and your pet safe.
Maintain a list of emergency contacts.
Keep the phone numbers and addresses of your normal veterinary clinic and the nearest emergency animal hospital on your mobile phone and a copy on your refrigerator or similar safe location. Make a point of familiarizing yourself with these areas.
Schedule regular veterinary examinations.
Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, ophthalmology care and parasite prevention are all examples of preventive care. Additionally, discuss the benefits of sterilizing or neutering your pet with your doctor. By protecting your pet’s health and avoiding minor injuries and illnesses, you’ll save money in the long run.
Make a pet first aid kit.
Keeping a first aid kit available is one of the most effective strategies to ensure your pet’s health during an emergency. You can make one or purchase one. Simply pack enough food and drink to last at least five days and medical supplies, toys, blankets, restraints, vital documents, local contact information, and medicines.
Review toxic foods and substances.
Refresh your knowledge on harmful human foods, including chocolate, onions, xylitol, raisins, grapes, and domestic plants that are toxic to pets like cycad palms or lilies in cats. Ascertain that your pet swallows no foreign body or other potentially hazardous substance. Avoid rat and snail bait and thoroughly clean up any antifreeze leaks near your vehicle. Keep all drugs in a secure location to prevent accidental overdoses.
Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.
If you and your pet are separated, the vaccines and documentation of vaccinations must be current. Many shelters will not take non-vaccinated animals. If your pet’s vaccinations are out of date, it may put the sitter’s other pets at risk. Maintain these documents in your pet’s emergency care and first aid kit. If you still don’t have a local vet, go to BearValleyAnimalHospital.com.
Conclusion
Addressing five simple items that you should be aware of in advance of an emergency with your pet can assist ensure a safe and prompt response. Being prepared in advance is the most promising strategy for ensuring that you are as safe and prepared as possible in the case of an emergency. Whether the emergency is the result of an injury, an illness, a storm, a fire, or anything else, you may rest confident that you are fully prepared.
