Pet Survival Kits
What you need to know to prep for your pet
Preparing for an emergency or a bug out situation goes beyond just yourself, especially if you are a pet owner. According to a recent comprehensive survey, there are more than 73 million dogs in households across America. That number should be a clear indicator as to how people feel about four legged friends.
And while I would encourage you to think about the long-term survival goals of yourself, I would also state this “pets are not preppers” you will have to do that for them. Here are a few things which you need to have in your pet’s bug out bag.
1. Pet Food (dry)
We all have to eat. When it comes to your survival plan, first ensure that you have a separate pet emergency kit from your bug out bag. Secondly, ensure that your food and the dog’s food do not mix. This will establish a definitive line between what is yours and what is not (you do not want your dog thinking that they can go into your bag and forage for food).
Dry food is critical to your pets survival. It lasts longer. If you must have softened food for your pet due to the digestive system, etc. then consider purchasing dry food which has a “gravy” formula/transition to it when water is added.
Avoid wet and canned food as the cans take up too much room and require too much maintenance (can opener, keeping it from getting dented and opened unintentionally, storage if not all of the food is eaten, keeping it out of excess heat, and keeping the smell from attracting other animals just to name a few).
2. Water and a water filtration (not straw) system
As with your bug out bag, your dog survival kit will need to have water. And just like in your kit, you will only have a limited amount of space in which to store water packets. Even if you have a canteen with natural water and pack a few bottles of filtered water, it will eventually run out.
Unlike your pack which should have filtration straws capable of filtering hundreds of gallons of water, your dog emergency kit should have a pour through or pour over filtration kit. I do not know of any dog that drinks from a straw and so you will need to pour the water through the filtration kit to eliminate bacterium.
3. Flea and Tick Repellant…and lots of it
Most bug out plans involve going into the woods or into a similar environment. Anytime that a pet spends an elongated time in the outdoors that pet is very apt to get fleas and ticks if left untreated.Ticks are worse than fleas in my opinion You can remove ticks manually to a point. However, even if removed, the bites from a tick can still possibly cause disease.
4. Food Bowls
Unless you plan on bush crafting your dog’s eating containers from scratch, it would be wise to have something for them to eat out of.
5. Waste Management
You’re going to need poop bags and often cat litter; and a container or bag to put it end until you can find a suitable place to dispose of it.
6. Grooming
You may be away from Home for a long time. Eventually you will need nail trimmers and in the case of some cats and dogs, a brush to keep their fur from getting matted.
7. Protective Clothing
If you’re in a particularly cold environment you may not always have heat. If your pet is accustomed to being indoors, this may come as a shock to them! Have at least a coat for your four-legged friend to help keep them warm in this contingency.
8. ID Collar
You should have the all your pertinent contact information on your pet’s collar in case they get lost.
9. Pre-printed Picture Of Your Pet
Just as the point above, in unusual and exciting situations, your pet may become scared and run off. You will want to be able to show people a picture to help in locating them.
10. Toys
If you’re stuck in a shelter or a car, you will want something to keep your pet and yourself amused.
11.Muzzle
If your dog doesn’t do well around strangers and unfamiliar situations, you will have to consider this as a perfect alternative to keep them from nipping at people.
12. Pet Carrier
If you have a cat, small dog or other animal…this is vital and can give them a sense of calm in hectic situation.
13. Vaccination records
If you have to check your pet into a government or private kennel, you will need to show proof of certain vaccinations.
15.Pet Medications
Make sure and have enough to last. You should consider as well having some type of pain reliever to help give comfort to them if they become injured.
16. First Aid Kit
This should include scissors, medical tape, Antihistamines, tweezers, Gauze pads and bandage, Anti bacterial ointment, absorbent cotton and cotton swabs.
Don’t Wait!
Many people forget to pack the essentials for their pet’s survival, especially in the hectic reality of an actual bug-out scenario. Be one step ahead and have everything packed, ready to go, ahead of time. Your pets are like family and they depend on you to plan ahead for them.