Just as you hopefully have an emergency kit for yourself (such as a 72-hour kit in your vehicle, a bug-out bag, or a get-home bag for ‘just in case’), do you have one for your pet dog? A dog bug out bag kit? An Emergency Survival Kit for Your Dog?
On June 7, 2022, our beloved Sampson passed away (two months after writing this article). RIP Sampson. It was a heartbreaking loss. I came across this article today and wanted to share it again…
There are several situations to consider. Among them is a sudden evacuation from your home. Another option is a longer-term ‘shelter in place’ at home, where you must rely on the supplies you have on hand. In any case, it is advisable to keep some essential emergency supplies for your pet dog.
Here are some items to consider keeping at the ready for an emergency kit for your dog:
First, a note… When I refer to a “Bug Out Bag”, I don’t necessarily mean a single bag. It’s just a term commonly used among the preparedness community. In my view, it broadly refers to having a set of supplies readily accessible to take with you if you need to go.
What kind of food do you feed your dog? Canned food? Dry food? Both? Anyway, our mini-Dachshund eats both. He’s on a special diet, special food. In fact, it requires a veterinarian’s prescription ($Cha-$Ching… the cash register rings). He eats a combination of canned and dry.
I always keep plenty on hand. Especially given today’s sporadic supply chain problems and shortages, one never knows how long it will take to receive this food. Plus, it’s just embedded in my lifestyle to have more than ‘just enough’ on hand…
If I had to bug in or bug out, I know that I have enough. The quantity to keep on hand would depend on the hypothetical circumstances and your own threshold tolerance, at which point you feel comfortable with the quantity.
It’s not rocket science. The key point here is not to forget your dog when it comes to acquiring extra food, just in case.
Don’t forget to include a food bowl for your dog bug out bag kit of ‘stuff’.
We purchased the following collapsible-style bowls for our dog’s food and/or water. It’s not his primary food/water bowl for at home, but we have several. For the truck, for his bike, and a pet trailer, going on a long walk (though he’s older now and doesn’t walk all that far these days).
They make small and large sizes:
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Silicon Collapsible Dog Bowls
Oh, I mentioned the bike pet trailer… It’s awesome! Sampson loves it. Although we don’t plan on bugging out on a bicycle, we simply use it for taking him along on bike rides. This is the one we have…
Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer
(Amazon)
While I recommend that you always have some water in your vehicle (such as water bottles or a jug), you could also simply share some with your pet. Therefore, ensure that you have enough for everyone. Like I just mentioned, we keep a collapsible water bowl for our dog to drink water (space-saving).
Similarly, with your own personal readiness and preparedness, an essential item is a water filter for drinking. A good option for home (e.g., Berkey Countertop), and a suitable portable drinking water filter for your vehicle, Bug Out Bag, emergency kit, etc.
Speaking of water, here’s Sampson lounging on my lap at a beach in Maine several years ago during a summer vacation:
Your dog may already be wearing a collar, but does it also have an ID Tag on it? Maybe one with your cell phone number on it (and the dog’s name)? If your pet gets lost or separated, a collar tag may help you reunite… What about a rabies vaccination tag?
Our mini-Dachshund received one of those ID implants a long time ago. That would work too… although it can only be read by a veterinarian with a special wand (which most of them have).
You probably have a leash at home, but do you also keep one in your vehicle and/or in your Dog Bug Out Bag emergency supplies? Over the years, we have acquired a lot of retractable leashes. They’re in the truck, in the house, in travel bags…
Retractable Leashes by TUG
(Amazon)
A picture of you with your pet will help document/verify ownership, allowing others to assist you in identifying your pet. The point being, and you probably already have this, is to keep some pictures of your dog on your phone.
(spoiled rotten?)
Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet may be taking regularly (e.g., heartworm pills, flea & tick prevention) in a waterproof container (e.g., a Ziplock bag).
Keep the phone number of your vet – just in case. Add it to your phone contacts.
Make a copy of vaccination records (Rabies), which are usually required if you stay at a pet-friendly motel (on your way during a bug out evacuation, for example). I keep a copy in the truck.
This is the exact brand of crate that we have. It is widely popular and all different sizes:
Dog Crate #1 Best Seller
(Amazon)
If applicable for your dog, who may be crate trained, don’t forget to take it with you for your pet’s ‘safe place’ while in a different environment. If your dog has his own pet bed, take it too. We keep a separate ‘dog bed’ in the truck. It sits on the console between us where Sampson peers over the dashboard 😉
Our dog has a number of his own blankets. Actually, quite a few blankets 🙂 Most of them fleece. Again, we keep one in the truck as well. On a trip, this will provide comfort and warmth when needed.
Premium Soft Dog Blanket
(Amazon)
Okay, I know, not every dog wears a sweater or jacket… Ours does during the cold months because he doesn’t have much of a natural coat to keep him warm! Our little mini-Dachshund has very short hair and is often affected by the c-c-cold. Therefore, we have a variety of coats and sweaters for his comfort. He’s always seemingly under a blanket or pillow or something…
Dog Coats by Carhartt
(Amazon)
When we moved to New Hampshire, he didn’t quite know what to make of these ‘white walls’ during the winter!
Dog Poop Bags. Again, you may have these at home – depending on how you deal with ‘the situation’. But keep extra in the dog’s bug out bag or vehicle. We always have a sufficient amount on hand and in storage. This is what we use:
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, Extra Thick and Strong
(Amazon)
Toys. Chew bones. Ropes. You know the things your pet likes to play with. These personal toys will help reduce stress for your pet if they’re away from their home environment.
Dog Chew Bones
Dog Chew Ropes
Although he doesn’t play with this anymore, Sampson used to like stealing and chewing my socks…
The idea here is this… If you have to leave suddenly (or even on a planned trip, such as a vacation), your pet will be more stressed than at home. Just plan ahead for what you might need for them. Some pets travel better than others. Only you will know what your own pet really needs. Take a moment to think about it. Become better prepared (for them).
Here are two pictures of Sampson when he was a puppy at 3 months:
Sorry, I can’t resist adding a few more pictures of our beloved dog…
On a Southwest Florida beach:
He’s not really one for swimming or the water, but he didn’t seem to mind those particular warm waters…
In a parking lot, napping in the truck while waiting for Mrs.J…
I love my dog, just as I’m sure you love yours. They are an extra special part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, they have just a short time with us on this earth. Fingers crossed that Sampson has more time with us. In any event, if you love your dog, don’t forget about their needs when it comes to your prepping and preparedness.
My Dearest Sampson, Rest In Peace
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