June is Pet Preparedness Month. In the last few months, emergency preparation has been a big topic for many people. This is a great time to talk about pet preparedness. A McHenry, IL vet offers a few tips on this below.
Supplies
We recommend getting an emergency bag ready for your pet. This should contain a few weeks’ worth of food, medicine, and treats, as well as toys, dishes, bedding, towels, and grooming supplies. You’ll also want to include a pet first-aid kit, along with a few pet first-aid brochures. Dogs should have a tie-out line, waste baggies, and a spare leash and collar, while kitties should have a litterbox and litter. It’s a good idea to bring along a muzzle for Fido as well, as some shelters may require them. Add some pet-calming products as well.
Carrier
Have your furry buddy’s carrier in a spot that’s easy to get to in an emergency, such as right near a door or in the garage. You’ll want to keep your pet’s bag in or near it. Be sure to put some ID on the carrier. Luggage tags work great for this.
Documentation
Print out a list of pet-friendly places within a few hours’ drive. Many pet-safe shelters and hotels require proof of vaccinations and registration. Put copies of these records in a sealed plastic bag in the carrier. You may also want to email copies to yourself, so you can access them from any computer.
Training
Does your dog know basic obedience commands, like Sit, Stay, and Come? If not, it’s time to finish Fido’s petucation. In an emergency, proper training can help keep your canine buddy from running off or approaching dangerous areas.
Backup Plans
Do you have a plan in place in case something happens and you are no longer able to care for your pet? If not, we recommend making one. This may entail making arrangements with a kennel, or having a friend or family member help out, or finding a pet sitter.
Preventative Care
As the saying says, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Make sure that your animal companion is current on their exams, vaccinations, and parasite control. Your furry pal should also be microchipped and wearing proper ID tags. These precautions are especially important in emergencies when pets may become separated from their owners. To learn more about the importance of pet identification and reuniting lost dogs with their families, check out our article on National Lost Dog Awareness Day.
Please reach out to us, your McHenry, IL vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help! Our comprehensive vet wellness and pet vaccinations services can help ensure your pet is prepared for emergencies and stays healthy year-round.