Emergency Kits For Dogs - A Checklist.

January 30th, 2008 by Dee

As I slowly unpack boxes and find places for items in our new home I realized my dog emergency kit is missing. So here I am, my worry wart self, at 3 am making a list of items that I need to make a new kit for Khepri and Winky.

Photo by Jocelyn Augustino / FEMA Photo 19505

The Emergency Kit:

A bag or container to hold everything -This can be anything from a large Ziploc bag to a backpack. Something that is waterproof would work best.
1 leash/1 Flexi - I see kits containing long leashes but I prefer a flexi instead. It will take up about the same amount as a long leash/rope but may be easier to control as it all retracts easily into place.
1 collar or harness - I do not normally use harnesses but I prefer one for each dog in my kit because of how secure it is and that it supports more of the dogs body and puts less pressure around the neck area.
2 collapsible bowls – for food and water
1 shammy towel – These are very absorbent; you can soak the shammy in water and use it to keep your dog cool. I recommend them over regular towels.
2 to 3 days worth of food per dog – I use a dehydrated food or you can use vacuum-sealed dog food rations that have a long shelf life.
2 bottles of water
Reflective tape – This can be placed on collars, on their crate/carrier, or even on your dogs’ coats!
2 emergency light sticks with lanyards – can be worn around the neck by either you or your dog.
Thermal blanket
Water Purification Tablets – these are important, not only for you, but for your dog. These take up very little room so get extras just to be sure you have enough.
2 heat packs – You can find heat packs that last 40 hours or even longer at reptile supply sites.
Poop bags
1 toy
2 or more days supply of medication if needed

Remember to keep things light and only pack what you need. I have an everyday dog bag that I tote around with me that contains dog toys, treats, collars, leashes, medical information, vaccine records, and extra towels. I keep enough room in this bag to be able to stuff both Emergency and Medical kits (this contains medication and first aid supplies for my dogs) into.

Kits 4 Disaster Survival offers whole kits as an alternative to creating your own. They also offer individual items that can be difficult to find, such as vacuum sealed dog food. We know disasters can happen at any time. We need to be just as prepared for our fur family as we are for our human ones.

We recommend: clearance items at SitStay.com

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4 Responses to “Emergency Kits For Dogs - A Checklist.”

Chris Says:
February 1st, 2008 at 9:48 am
And what about a whistle!!
In Case of an Emergency | Dog Reflections Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
[...] hurricane, mudslide or wildfire but you should still have an evacuation plan for your pets. Build a disaster kit for your dog that includes at least three days of food and water, first aid supplies, a [...]
Roxanne Rushing Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I live on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, MS and own an indoor 140 lb Great Dane. He is a wonderful dog and VERY WELL BEHAVED. I am having great difficulty finding a pet-friendly hotel that will accept a dog over the weight limit of 30 or 35 lbs. We may have to evacuate…do you have any suggestions?? I can’t leave my baby alone or in a shelter, I want to know he is with me and OK.

Thanks in advance,
Rushing Family
Classic Dog Article: Dogs and Frostbite | Dog Reflections Says:
November 17th, 2008 at 10:46 am
[...] from frostbite. This piece will tell you how to identify the symptoms of this condition as well as first aid steps to take. Check out Winter Safety: Dogs and [...]