Tip of the Month: Every Dog Owner's Grab n' Go Bag
Well, here we are loving summer life in the Okanagan, with the dread of potential fire risk and the possibility of evacuating, in the back of our minds. As I endured the White Rock Lake Fire of August 2021, I have a personal need to share some pet pointers to ease some stress and help you be prepared, should you have to evacuate with your canine bundles of joy.
A ‘grab n go’ bag for pets is extra smart to have prepared long in advance and kept handy for when and if you are caught off guard in an emergency fire evac situation. Storing your dog bag in the car, your RV or inside a dog crate, that is available close by your door, ready to use, will prove a worthy time saver should a fire evacuation be ordered.
First and foremost, please understand that dogs and pets stress just like we do, (maybe more actually when their owners are worried). If you have to evacuate, trust me you will be stressed! Stressed dogs often have reactions that are unusual and unpredictable that you may not expect. Some dogs get scared, pace, dig, climb, chew on stuff, go off food, some cower or hide, some turn aggressive, some fight and some scared dogs run at the very first opportunity through the very first opening (car window and any slightly open door)… their recall will be uncertain and definitely not something you can count on (no matter how good it is under normal circumstances)! It’s not personal it just is the result of unpredictable stress.
Sounds simple, but have a quality full body photograph of your dog standing facing you, that would make them easily recognizable. Have it on your phone for reference, in case your dog runs away or is lost.
Please be sure you have a safe, strong collar on your dog with secure and clear ID that shows the dog’s name and your current phone number to call if found. (Check the condition of your dog’s ID tags as often we assume they are legible when actually they have been rubbed or scratched beyond recognition).
Have an extra leash handy with their ‘to go bag’ rather than having to take time to look for their normal leash. (You may not have any extra time).
If you have a large dog, a guard dog, LGD or bully type breed, please have handy a muzzle that fits (and have them trained to be muzzled easily). These dogs are generally physically and mentally strong and can be tenacious loyal protectors. No stranger should risk being bitten in attempts to help your dog to safety, if the need occurs.
Next, have a crate or kennel close by your door to put your dog into if you have to leave in a hurry. (Be sure your dog loves to go into a crate!) If you have to evacuate you may find your dog will not be willing to jump in the car like usual. You may end up driving to all kinds of locations and situations that involve, hotel/motel rooms, a friend’s place, campground, parking lot or somewhere unfamiliar that may also accommodate other panicked people and dogs. In an emergency situation, you will be busy! You will have no idea how long you will have to wait to return home …having your dog’s own ‘place’ that is familiar to them will give safe and reliable relief to all.
Meds – if your dog gets regular meds, have extra’s packed to go without having to think about it. If your dog takes stress to their stomach, having some probiotics (the type that is stable without refrigeration) will be great to have along.
Pet Insurance information – if your dog is insured for veterinarian help, be sure to have the insurance company contact number and account information safely marked on your phone or handy in your wallet.
Pre-packed items for your dog’s ‘grab n’ go’ bag’:
- your dog’s food/water bowl;
- a large container of your home water that your dog is used to as many dogs will not drink different water (chlorinated tastes different);
- a bag of your dog’s regular dog food (different food will often cause unnecessary stressful diarrhea);
- some kind of kong, bone or chewies that will give your dog at least an hour of distraction;
- favourite items that your dog is comforted by (a beloved stuffy, toy, an unlaundered t-shirt or personal scent item will prove invaluable for your worried dog) – your own company may not be available or an emotionally calm influence for them.
I hope with all my heart that you don’t have to experience any fire risk or evacuation. I hope you, your family and all your pets will be safe this summer. As they say, “better safe than sorry” has never been more true than when facing a fire emergency evacuation situation. You will have a lot on your mind with seemingly endless decisions to make with split second timing. Having your pet’s ‘grab n’ go’ bag packed far in advance will be one less thing to think about and will provide such relief …here’s hoping you never have to grab it and you’ll happily unpack that bag, unused, once the fire season has long passed, once again.
For more dog health and training tips, visit Ask The Trainer. Ask me about dog-owner training today as well!
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